Squatters Rights Removed

 

Today, squatters have had their rights removed so those who own homes are properly protected says the Government.

Those who are constantly caught squatting could face six months in jail and/or a £5,000 fine. This is because in the eyes of home owners, squatter are stealing their property. Whereas the squatters believe if the property is empty then they are perfectly entitled to live there.

One way to help your case though when it comes to squatters in your property is landlord insurance. When taking out a quote remember to check if this is covered, if not you may have to take out an additional policy to give you some back up.

Charities

Although this new law will be coming into play, charities are worried that this will end up making criminals out of those who are trying to protect themselves from the streets.

Leslie Morphy from the housing charity, Crisis, has said, “There was already legal provision that police and councils could, and should, have used to remove individuals in the rare instances of squatting in someone’s home.

“And the new law also applies to empty homes – of which there are 720,000 in England alone, including many that are dilapidated and abandoned – criminalising homeless people when they are just trying to find a place off the streets.”

The charities believe that by removing squatter’s rights that this is not helping the issues as to why they are squatting in the first place.

Government

The Government on the other hand, think differently. They, along with homeowners and landlords, believe that they have been avoiding the justice system for far too long which causes most, distress why trying to evict them and clearing up the damage they often leave behind.

When the law is changed this means that police and various other agencies can take quick action.

Crispin Blunt is the justice minister and he has said, “We are spending £400 million a year in this spending review period on the homeless.

“We have a proper strategy for the homeless… that needs to sit alongside this measure, but this measure is about justice and fairness for home owners who shouldn’t have their homes stolen by squatters.”