Squatting and the law
Remove squatters
You can remove squatters using an interim possession order (IPO) or making a claim for possession.
Do not try to remove the squatters yourself using force or the threat of force - you鈥檙e committing a crime if you do.
Get legal advice if you need help making a claim for possession.
Interim possession orders
You can only apply for an IPO if it鈥檚 been 28 days or less since you found out your property鈥檚 been squatted.
Fill in an application for an IPO and send it to your local county court.
The court will send you confirmation of your IPO within a few days. They will also send you documents that you must give to the squatters within 48 hours.
After being served with an IPO squatters can be sent to prison if they do not:
- leave your property within 24 hours
- stay away from your property for 12 months
To get final possession of the property, you must make a claim for possession. You can do this on your IPO application form or by applying online.
Exceptions
You cannot use an IPO if:
- you鈥檙e also making a claim for damages caused by the squatters - instead you should make an ordinary claim for possession
- you鈥檙e trying to evict former tenants, sub-tenants or licensees
Claim for possession
Make a claim for possession if it鈥檚 been more than 28 days since you found out about the squatters.