March 30th, 2009
Having already discussed how to keep squatters at bay, it is important to know what to do if they do manage to get onto your land or into your property.
- Ask the police to move them on. Whilst this may not prove successful it will put the squatters on notice that you are aware of their presence and that you are serious about removing them.
- Never provide monetary or other incentives to the squatters. Our experience tells us that this only encourages them to holdout for more. What is more, if they do leave leave then do not be surprised if other squatters turn up asking for more.
- Try to ascertain names of individuals or car registration numbers. This may well protect you later should the squatters return
- In the days after eviction closely monitor the property/land to ensure that the squatters do not return.
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March 19th, 2009
Traditionally summertime sees a sharp rise in the number of squatters trespassing on land, particularly empty properties, car parks and open land. It important for landlords to be able to minimise their vulnerabilty to squatters and secure a quick eviction.
‘Prevention is better than cure’. How to keep squatters out.
- Where possible do not erect To Let/For Sale signs (this is an open invitation to squatters);
- Do erect signs saying ‘Private Property’;
- Do inspect your land/property/site regularly and ensure any activity is reported and noted
- Do be vigilant, especially to local squatter activity. Some squatters are extremely organisied and pass imformation between themselves as to what land is currently vacant.
- Do consider security measures. It is not unusual for squatters to be evicted only to return immediately back to the same site.
- Do make the property unattractive from the outset (eg, turn off the utilities when the site is not in use)
For further information on evicting squatters see our website www.landlordrecoveries.co.uk for more details.
See our article ‘what to do once squatters arrive’.
Tags: squatters
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March 17th, 2009
Section 21 of the Housing Act provides landlords of tenants who occupy residential property (pursuant to an assured shorthold tenancy) with an absolute right to possession. There are however certain formalities which must be observed if a landlord is to be successful in obtaining possession using a section 21 notice. There is no prescribed form therefore careful consideration must be given to the content of the section 21 notice if it is be relied upon by the landlord when seeking possession. To complicate matters even further there are two different types of section 21 notice. Firstly there is notice which is referred to in section 21(1) and the the second as referred to in section 21(4). It is imperative that your section 21 notices are correct. Making an error in either of these notices might mean the difference between being successful in obtaining the possession of your property and failing to do so.
Tags: Section 21
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