Eviction of squatters
Squatting means living in a property without permission.
How are squatters evicted?
The owner or tenant could:
change the locks when you are out
call the police if you are squatting in their home
get a court order to evict you quickly
It is illegal for anyone threaten or use violence to evict you.
If the owner changes the locks
The owner or tenant can change the locks if no one is there to stop them.
This called a peaceable eviction.
Is squatting a criminal offence?
Squatting is a criminal offence if you:
live in a residential property without permission
do not leave when someone who has a right to live there asks you to
Someone with a right to live there could be a tenant or a homeowner. A landlord or agent could also ask instead of the tenant.
When squatting is not criminal
Squatting is not an offence in a commercial property or on open land.
Can the police make squatters leave?
The owner or tenant can only call the police if you squat in a residential property.
They can call the police if you commit an offence.
Tell the police if you think you are a tenant. Bogus letting agents sometimes let properties without permission.
An eviction order from a court
People who live in the property do not need to get a court order to evict you.
The police, or a someone like a landlord or agent do not need a court order either.
Everyone else has to ask a court for an order to evict you if you will not leave.
Court forms
If the owner or tenant gets a court order to evict you, they must post a copy of the court claim forms through the letterbox or attach them to the front door.
They must to do this at least:
5 days before your court hearing if you are squatting in a residential property
2 days before your hearing if you are squatting in a commercial property
The forms must include a defence form. They must have the time and place of your court hearing.
What to do with the court forms
Fill in the defence form and explain why you are living in the property.
Ask the Advisory Service for Squatters if they can help.
What the court can do
The court could make an order which tells you to leave within 24 hours.
It's a criminal offence to stay.
If you do not leave, the owner must ask the court to send bailiffs to evict you.
If you believe you are a tenant or lodger
Some landlords tell the police that you are a squatter when you are really a legal tenant or lodger.
They do this to evict you more easily.
You are not a squatter if you:
had permission to move in
stay in your home when your tenancy or lodger's contract ends
Landlords usually need to get a court order to evict you if you are a tenant and do not live in your landlord's home.
Your eviction could be illegal if the police help the landlord to evict you.
Lodgers or living rent free
Landlords do not need a court order to evict you if you are a lodger or living rent free with your landlord's permission.
Find out more about lodgers and eviction.
Gypsy and Traveller communities on unauthorised sites
You are not squatting even if you do not have legal permission to be on the land.
Find out more about eviction from an unauthorised site.
Homelessness help if you are squatting
You count as homeless if you are a squatter.
This means your council might have to give you emergency housing if you are in priority need.
For example, if you:
are pregnant
have children
are vulnerable
You need to meet immigration or residence conditions to get council help.
Find out how to ask your local council for help.
Still need help?
Contact the Advisory Service for Squatters.
Last updated: 1 February 2026
