Squatting clamp down is upon us

The new section 144 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 comes into effect on 1st September 2012. This section creates a new offence of squatting in a residential building, which will apply throughout England and Wales.   There are already, as yet unconfirmed reports, of some police forces moving in on squats…even before the 1 September implementation date.

As a result of the new legislation a person will be committing an offence if they are living or intending to live in a property in which they know they are trespassing – excluding those holding over after a previous lease or licence has expired.

It is not known yet how the various police forces intend to deal with existing residential squats however if you are arrested or need any assistance you can call us on 020 7388 8333.  We have been pro-active in liasing with various organisations who are concerned about the potential impact of criminalising people living in squats – often as an alternative to sleeping on the streets.