If someone enters your property without your permission and sets up an encampment there it is called trespassing and it is illegal. This is often without the owner’s knowledge and without any legal right to do so. Being on someone’s property without their consent is not a criminal offence in itself. However, if squatters conduct crimes such as criminal damage or theft, their actions are punishable under general criminal law, and the police can prosecute them.
If you have a vacant property that is attacked by trespassers time and again you need to talk to the property and security experts at Shergroup. We have experienced High Court Enforcement Officers as you must have seen in the TV Show Call The Bailiffs – Time To Pay Up ( https://www.channel5.com/call-the-bailiffs-time-to-pay-up) who will help you in the eviction of trespassers and in reclaiming the possession of your property.
Getting squatters removed
Squatting laws are fairly complicated. It may be difficult to evict a squatter in some situations, especially if they have been on the land for a long period.
It may be several months before a squatter-infested property can be rented out again. This can be due to the time it takes to file a court action to evict squatters, or to the repairs that must be made once they are removed.
If you’re a landlord and someone else’s belongings are left on your property then you need to take the following action |
This could apply to one of the following scenarios |
- A tenant has left furniture
- A car has been abandoned on your property
- Your commercial tenant has left behind items after forfeiture of the lease
- A student has moved out of your property and items have been left behind and you aren’t sure who they belong to
- Trespassers have left items on your land
You are not permitted to remove goods left in or on your property unless you have given the owner prior notice of your intention to do so.
Reasonable steps you should take When You Have Abandoned Items on Your Property
You must contact the individuals concerned to notify them that you have their belongings; it is also worthwhile to take an inventory and photographs of the items. If you don’t know where they are or how to contact them, you should post a notice with the following information |
- Your name and address
- A list of the items
- Any sums you intend to charge upon collection for storage
- If possible, an estimation of the value of the items
- A reasonable timescale for collection (this is deemed to be 14 days)
- Your name and address
- A list of the items
- Where the items will be sold if this is your intention, and any storage cost incurred that will need to be repaid
- A reasonable timescale for collection (again, this is deemed to be 14 days)
It is also a good idea to picture the notice in place so that you can offer evidence that you followed the instructions mentioned if questioned.
If you are able to contact the person, you must write to them with the following information:
You can now sell or dispose of the objects after the 14 days have ended in either scenario.
Summing-up
Squatters are always a cause of concern for landlords in the UK. While there are simple ways to evict squatters, measures are taken to prevent their access, which is the best way to get hold of this problem.
Contact Shergroup now if you need help removing squatters from your property in the UK. We have built a reputation as one of the most ethical and successful enforcement solutions providers with a speciality in property eviction and trespasser removal in the UK. We can analyse and securely remove unauthorised trespassers from your land or property in as little as 24 hours thanks to our enforcement agents and strong legal knowledge. Contact our friendly business solutions advisors for more information.
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