The government has this week revealed new plans for dealing with squatters, news which is well overdue according to commercial property owners who have previously been the victim of squatters on their premises.
Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary, has proposed creating a new offence, which he believes will end ‘squatters rights’ and could see offenders face a prison term.
Under the current law it can be very difficult to evict squatters from an empty property. Justice Minister Crispin Blunt said, the change in law intends to end the suffering which landlords of residential and commercial properties have to endure when they become victims of squatters.
Mr Blunt said: ‘I am clear that the days of so-called ‘squatters rights’ must end and squatters who break the law receive a proper punishment…Far too many people have to endure the misery, expense and incredible hassle of removing squatters from their property…Hard-working home and business owners need and deserve a justice system where their rights come first..Today’s consultation is a first step to achieving this.’
Although squatting is not as common across the UK as it is in some countries, it can still cause huge problems and indeed costs for commercial property owners. Stephen Cross, head of security at property development company, Ballymore Group, said squatters were costing his firm ‘many thousands of pounds because of direct damage to buildings, the problems caused to neighbours with loud ‘squat’ parties, litter, rubbish and the amount of time it takes to sort things out.’
However, the proposed new law has come in for fierce criticism in some quarters. Homeless charity group, Crisis, said the government should look at improving housing and support rather than demonising ‘people who are so desperate for a roof over their heads that they are often forced to sleep in abandoned buildings without heat, light or water.’
The National Landlords Association has also expressed concern about the government plans, saying, the law change does not tackle the ‘central issue of property owners being able to regain possession if squatter occupy their premises.’
Previous Post
SIPP In Commercial Property
