Squatting to be Outlawed

New suggested legislation by the government could see squatting criminalised in the future according to new reports.

In the paper published by the Ministry of Justice, they plan to make trespass a criminal offence, meaning property investors will find it easier to evict squatters occupying their commercial and residential property investments.

And this spells good news for property investors who previously had to take squatters through the civil courts because trespass is considered a civil offence.

With less restriction, this should enable property investors to get rid of squatters faster.

However, it would seem not everyone is happy to hear this news…

Lawyers, trades unionists and student leaders all fear that should this legislation pass, this change in law could also outlaw occupation-style protests and sit-ins – a tactic commonly favoured by students.

And should this occur the NUS fear this could create a ‘war’ between management and students as students will have no where to peacefully protest.

Commenting on this issue, Michael Chessum an executive member of the NUS feels: ‘Students and young people in particular are thrown out into a world in which there are vanishingly few jobs and housing is an absolutely massive crisis for them… will defend the right to squat.’

Only time will tell, if the unions appeal to the government is heard. However, should it come to pass being a property investor will certainly be less stressful, especially if you don’t have to worry about squatters.