Squatters – again!!

Hello, can’t believe it – this is the second time we’ve had squatters move into one of our vacant rentals in Luton. The last time we agreed to pay a huge sum to the new owner of a property we sold, so we could walk away and leave the issue for him to deal with.

This time, at a different empty property, a tradesman phoned to ask if we still wanted him to carry out the improvement works, as there were people in the ‘empty’ property. They had smashed the key safe to access the keys, then let themselves in. I called the police who agreed to attend because there was criminal damage, but advised that they couldn’t deal with the squatters because ‘squatting is a civil matter’.

I pointed out that squatting in residential premises has been illegal for many years. An officer did attend, the following morning and got no response when knocking on the front door. I was subsequently told that they wouldn’t attend again owing to other more urgent jobs.

So, after 25+ years of landlording, we’ve had enough! This property will be the next one we sell. We welcome all (legal) suggestions to resolve this issue.

The way we see it is to either sell below market with the squatters, or go down the legal route and use bailiffs. Problem with the latter is that we could get rid of one lot of squatters and have more move in the next day.
Does anyone know of any Property Guardians who would move into the property on a temporary basis until sold? This would be on a License not an AST. It’s a 3 bed, 2 reception, C rated EPC, mid terrace property in Luton. New roof with a long warranty.

Thanks,

Pete