propertytalk Live! - Eviction specialist backs moves to make squatting illegal

propertytalk Live! - Eviction specialist backs moves to make squatting illegal

Tenant eviction and rent collection firm Landlord Assist has welcomed Government plans to make squatting illegal.

The proposed new law will mean that home owners won’t have to go through the civil courts to evict squatters from their properties.

Instead police will be able to force entry and arrest anyone who has occupied a property without the consent of its owners.

In Scotland squatting is already illegal and offenders can be jailed for up to 21 days.

Stephen Parry, Commercial Director at Landlord Assist said: "We are delighted to hear that the Government is taking a firm stance on squatting by deeming it a criminal offence.

"Our firm has been lobbying hard to get central Government to acknowledge that squatting should be an illegal activity and that the process to deal with squatters is too protracted and incredibly stressful for landlords."

To assist homeowners in protecting their properties, Landlord Assist is also urging the Government to take further action by removing websites which provide an advisory service and details of empty properties for squatters.