Peterborough Lettings Agent Welcomes Move to Swat The Squatters
Squatting is an issue of real concern to residential landlords although
it is a relatively rare problem. Squatters occupy empty properties
without the permission of the owner, the managing letting agent or the
legal tenant. However the UK Government are moving to address this
problem.
Peterborough, United Kingdom, February 04, 2012 -- Squatting is an issue
of real concern to residential landlords although it is a relatively rare
problem. Squatters occupy empty properties without the permission of the
owner, the managing letting agent or the legal tenant.
It is almost impossible for landlords to claim for the often thousands of
pounds worth of damage caused by squatters as they often have limited
financial means.
However there is some good news for landlords as at the end of 2011 the
UK Government finally took action against squatters adding a new clause
into the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill 2011
which makes squatting a criminal offence.
If it is passed, in the forthcoming debate in the House of Commons,
anyone who enters a residential building as a trespasser and the lives
there, will be guilty of a criminal offence.
“I welcome this bold move by the government,” said Terry Lucking owner of
Belvoir Peterborough one of the leading lettings agents in Peterborough.
“Squatting can wreck a landlord’s business and is a very difficult, and
expensive problem to solve. Regaining legal possession is often a long
and drawn out process and also creates real problems when trying let the
property to a new legitimate tenant.”
“Whilst squatting is not widespread in and around Peterborough, it is a
growing problem nationally and an issue Belvoir has taken a close
interest in, on behalf of our landlord customers.”
Scotland does not have the problems as squatting has been a criminal
offence for over 150 years with those found guilty facing a 21 day jail
sentence. Unfortunately in England and Wales this is not the case and
owners must resort to civil courts to enforce their rights.
In 2010, there was a 40% rise in squatting eviction cases and an
astonishing 132% rise in squatting since 1995 according to a UK Bailiff
Company report.
Belvoir who have 140 other Belvoir offices throughout the UK, has been
involved with a long running lobby to get the law changed in favour or
legal owners of property. Spearheaded by the UK’s largest industry
bodies, the National Landlords Association and the Residential Landlords
Association the campaign was taken up by MP Mike Weatherly, who proposed
a motion in March 2011.
“The decision to criminalise squatting is extremely welcome and we
continue to actively support our industry bodies in their campaign” added
Terry Lucking who specialises in residential property lettings in
Peterborough “Further clarification is still needed on issues surrounding
fast re-possession of property. Landlords must be able to build their
property portfolios without disruption by trespassers.”
“Whilst these measures are good there is still the question as to whether
they address the root cause of the problem. Hence we would continue to
advise Landlords to remain vigilant and take sensible measures to protect
their property.”
“If circumstances make this difficult then use the services of a
maintenance company, or a residential lettings specialist Belvoir, to do
it for you.”
“Preventing squatters invading an empty property is not easy,” added
Terry. “the best solution is to let out the property as quickly as
possible and we can certainly help with that as we always have tenants
waiting”
Belvoir Lettings Agency in Peterborough are lettings only specialists and
provide a full range of services including property management, tenant
find, investment and wealth management advice, fit-outs and renovations
and investment property insurances and mortgages.
Contact :
Terry Lucking
Belvoir
1022 Lincoln Road, Walton
Peterborough, PE4 6AS
01733 574060
terry.lucking@belvoirlettings.com
http://www.belvoirlettings.com/Peterborough