Unauthorised Occupants & Squatters
Squatters and unauthorised occupants
Dealing with unauthorised occupants and / or squatters is important.
The prescence of squatters or unauthorised occupants may mean that the Council is loosing revenue or Housing Applicants may have to wait longer to move.
Often unauthorised occupants or squatters will wish to remain in the property. Only in extremely rare instances will this be permitted.
Definition of squatting
A squatter is someone who occupies the property without obtaining permission of the owner, or his / her agent or the person legally entitled to be occupying it.
A squatter will usually have occupied the property after the termination of the tenancy.
Legal action against squatters
The law relating to squatters is complex and in most cases the Council would require a court order to remove squatters. If you suspect that persons are occupying a Council property without permission please contact us as soon as possible.
Unauthorised occupants
Unauthorised occupants are in the main 'left behind' in a tenancy following the departure of the tenant. The tenancy is still in existence although the tenant is no longer resident.
Unauthorised occupation covers a multitude of situations including unauthorised assignment / exchange, people staying on following death of tenant, residents who have no right to succeed, children remaining after the parents have moved.
A housing officer will visit the property and assess whether the occupant has a right to the tenancy and if necessary take actions through the courts to repossess the property.
If you need further advice on these matters or suspect that a property is squatted or illegally occupied, please contact your local area housing office.
