Squatting offences
Squatters may be committing a criminal offence by squatting.
Criminal offence of squatting
With effect from 1 September 2012, a criminal offence applies to a person living or intending to live in a residential building, who knowingly entered as a trespasser.
To prove the offence, the prosecution must prove that the trespasser is 'living' or 'intending to live' in the building; merely being in it is not enough.
A squatter who was given permission by another squatter to enter the building is committing an offence.[1]
The term 'building' includes any structure or part of a structure, even if it is temporary or moveable. The term 'residential' means it was designed or adapted for living in before the squatters entered.
A squatter can be arrested and, if convicted, may be fined and/or imprisoned. A uniformed police constable with reasonable cause to believe that a person is guilty of an offence can arrest the person without a warrant.
The legislation is retroactive and a person who entered and lives in a residential building as a trespasser before 1 September 2012 is committing a criminal offence.
The offence does not apply to anyone who had previously been a tenant or licensee of the premises, even if they leave and re-enter the building. It also does not apply to anyone squatting in commercial premises[2] or to Gypsies or Travellers living on unauthorised sites.
The Ministry of Justice has issued a circular explaining the different elements of the offence of squatting in a residential building. It also encourages joint working between police, local authorities and homelessness services when enforcing the offence.[3]
Other offences by squatters
Under section 7 of the Criminal Law Act 1977, a squatter commits an offence if they fail to leave accommodation after being asked to leave by or on behalf of a displaced residential occupier or protected intended occupier.
It is also an offence for a squatter to resist or obstruct an officer of the court in the course of an eviction.[4] A squatter who remains in the property or returns to it after an interim possession order has been served commits an offence.
It is rare for squatters to be prosecuted for offences that occur when they enter premises. If they are prosecuted, it may be for criminal damage[5] or for being on enclosed premises for an unlawful purpose.[6]
Emergency advice and legal support
Advisory Service For Squatters runs an advice service for squatters.
Last updated: 4 March 2021