Owners of empty residential property are told to ensure their empty buildings are secure as campaign groups encourage people to ‘keep squatting’.
Following the breakdown of a number of legal cases pursued under S.144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) 2012, which made it illegal to squat in a residential property, several groups have been publishing online guides offering advice on how to avoid prosecution under the act.
Unoccupied property insurance specialists, Bickers Insurance are recommending to their clients that they remain vigilant against this threat. The introduction of the act may have made landlords feel better about the chances of their properties being occupied by squatters, but the risk remains very real.
It is therefore just as important as it has ever been to ensure that regular reviews of security at your unoccupied property are undertaken. Think about how a potential squatter might be attracted to your property and take action. Make the property look occupied, keep the grounds tidy and secure, prevent access to the rear of the property or secluded areas and above all, ensure that your building is kept secure.
We’ve got further advice on our unoccupied property insurance page.