Its illegel to be a squatter (sale, evictions, squatters) - United Kingdom - City-Data Forum

dizzybint · 08-31-2012, 12:44 AM

Some charities are worried that the new law over squatters will cause more homelessness, but dont they see the other side of the coin, one man on TV said he went into hospital for treatment and when he came home a crowd of squatters had moved into his home.. it took him over three months to have them removed and many thousands of pounds for court expenses.. At last this outdated law has been stopped that squatters have the right to take over properties.. Charities fear end of 'squatters' rights' could lead to big rise in homelessness | Society | The Guardian

Jezer · 08-31-2012, 01:35 AM

If squatting is seen as a legitimate way of reducing homelessness then something is seriously wrong.

I'm fed up with the word 'rights'.

Kenneth-Kaunda · 08-31-2012, 01:58 AM

not sure what the law is now, but in my day a person had the 'right' to squat if the owner left the front door open.

ie: even if they'd just nipped out for a pint of milk.

that seemed a bit harsh on the owner.

however AFAIK most squats were in run-down derelict buildings anyway.

dizzybint · 08-31-2012, 02:30 AM

Im just wondering how this will work from today... when it goes into force.. will they get away with evictions and fines. then jail,, or will the PC brigade step in once again... I can understand run down old houses being used but not to take over someones house if they leave the door open..

Kenneth-Kaunda · 08-31-2012, 02:50 AM

how about squatters rights on land - ie: putting a caravan on wasteland?

not so long ago there were all the travellers, but they got the boot - anyone know what the deal is these days?

bobman · 08-31-2012, 05:54 AM

I remember a few years back I was going to buy a house, but before the sale was completed, it was taken over by squatters.
The owners spent an absolute fortune trying to get these folks kicked out, and eventually lost.
I pulled out of the sale, and the squatters still live in the house, they never did manage to ge tthem out.

I agree that if it's an unused property and they aren't damaging it, then they aren't doing any harm, but as soon as the owner wants it back, they need to leave, no questions asked.

Too many of the wrong people have too many rights in the UK.