Squatters and Unlawful Occupiers
During the course of a year many tenancies are terminated and properties stand empty for a short period of time while we carry out repairs before the next tenant moves in.
In other instances tenants leave their homes without telling the Council and we have to investigate and decide whether or not the tenancy has been abandoned. While we are doing this, the property will again stand empty.
During the time the properties stand empty, although the Council will make them as secure as possible and get them ready for occupation by the next tenant as quickly as possible, they are vulnerable to unauthorised people getting access. Such persons are generally referred to as 'squatters' and although it is very rare that we get squatters in our properties, should you be aware of someone having moved into a property, who you feel may not be the lawful tenant, notify the Housing Department and we will investigate. As it is difficult for us to know at any one time what is happening in our vacant properties we greatly appreciate the information we receive from neighbours and other residents. For contact details please refer to related contacts section.
After investigation it may be that the person in occupation is in fact the new tenant, but it is better to be safe than sorry. If it turns out that the occupier is there without the Council's consent then we will commence eviction proceedings immediately. These proceedings are quite complex, and it is therefore important we start them as soon as possible to obtain the squatters removal and allow the new tenant to move in without too much delay.
Any information we receive will be treated confidentially.
Page Last Updated: 30/05/2008
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