Dealing with squatters as a property owner is never easy, but it’s important to follow the legal route to make sure the eviction process is done properly. Whilst the police should be informed in relation to commercial property, they will see it as a civil matter, whereas squatters in a residential property can be evicted by the police using Section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012. This, of course, will only work for squatters and not for stayovers or somebody whole is party to a lease and the lease has come to an end.
What is a squatter?
A squatter is a person who is in a property knowing that they do not have the legal entitlement to be in that property. Usually they reside on a property to which they have no title, right or lease, and may gain adverse possession of the property through involuntary transfer.
How can I get squatters out?
The good news is that, that using Section 144 of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LAPSO), the police should be able to assist you in relation to a residential property. With respect to commercial property, providing a certificated enforcement officer can gain access to the building without breaking in or being met with any form of resistance then the occupants can be removed without a court order.
There are 3 main methods of removing squatters from commercial premises, they are:
Common law
Using Common Law is usually the quickest method and if successful you will not have to go to court. Through Common Law, certificated enforcement officers can attend your commercial property and if they can gain access without confrontation by the squatters they can proceed to evict using no more than reasonable force.
Our team has years of experience in applying Common Law, for help with removing commercial squatters from your property get in touch with our team by calling 0345 366 0000 or fill out our contact form and we will get back to your as soon as we can.
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