As the owner of a commercial property, a major concern is the likelihood of squatters moving in when your property is unoccupied. How difficult is it to remove squatters from your property and how can you prevent this from happening?
Why is commercial property at risk from squatters?
Commercial property is at a major risk from squatters as there are no laws in place that state that the occupation of a previously unoccupied commercial building is a crime. There are other elements to squatting which constitute criminal activity, such as stealing, damaging the property, refusing to leave when instructed to by courts, or unauthorised use of any utilities. If squatters are not committing these crimes, then it is much more challenging to remove them from your property.
How can you handle squatters?
In order to remove squatters from your property, you may need to get a court order using civil law to evict them. You may be able to obtain an interim possession order (IPO) and use bailiffs to remove them from your property – but this must be done within twenty-eight days of you being aware of the squatting.
Protecting your property
While it may seem like there is very little you can do to remove squatters from your commercial property quickly, you can reduce the chances of squatters living on your property to begin with. Having a robust security system in place is essential, including CCTV, and potentially on-site security staff overnight or during periods when the building will not be occupied. You should regularly check on an unoccupied commercial building, disconnect any utilities to discourage squatters and install steel screens to seal the property properly.
If you are concerned about squatters living in your commercial property, then get in touch with PPS UK to discover the many security options available to you.
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