How to prevent your unoccupied property from becoming a squat
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Squatters are every landlord's worst nightmare and there are an estimated 30,000 of them in the UK.
This issue has been on the rise since the 1960s and with unemployment going up and the mortgage market stalling, it's a good bet that this number will continue to increase.
Squatting in itself is not a criminal offence. Provided that entry is not forced, it's not regarded under UK law as a criminal matter. You will need to go to a civil court to reclaim your property and that can sometimes be a drawn out process.
"Today's squatters are highly organised and efficient. Many have full-time work and drug problems are rare." These are the words of a spokesperson for the Advisory Service for Squatters, a London based non profit group that provides advice and support for Squatters.
Squatters have rights and they will be well-informed. Unless you can persuade them to leave willingly, they can't be legally evicted from a property without a court possession order. That takes time so it is worthwhile to consider the potential problem of squatters soon and to prevent your empty property becoming a squat.
According to the empty homes agency, there are nearly one million homes currently left unoccupied in the UK. If yours is going to be left vacant for any stretch of time, it's essential that you take out proper unoccupied property insurance and if you want to prevent the problem of squatters you'd be wise to follow our five point plan.
1) Lock up. Keep the property well protected with sufficient door and window locks. If the house is going to be unoccupied for a long time you might want to consider boarding it up. While this makes it obvious that the house is unoccupied, it also means that any potential squatters have to visibly force entry to get within. This means that they break the law and that puts you in a better position.
2) Make it look lived-in. This means timer switches, but also basic furniture, curtains and carpets, all things that suggest that someone is living at the property. Don't overlook the obvious things that would indicate an unoccupied home, make sure that any external damage to windows, drainpipes, gates etc is remedied promptly and get someone to cut the lawn and maintain the garden regularly.
3) Let people know and ask them to keep an eye out for you. Neighbours, the police, the local neighbourhood watch will all take an interest if you make them aware that the house is going to be unoccupied.
4) Make regular visits. Or if that's not feasible, have someone do this on for you, get them to inspect for signs of neglect and damage and check that the place is secure.
5) Rent it out. Having someone living there makes the problem less likely. If it's convenient, try to find a tenant. Squatters are a lot less likely to take over a place that's in use.
Once squatters are in, it can be a long and costly process to have them ejected so it's prudent to take every precaution you can.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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