Squatters and unauthorised occupants

Empty council properties are usually awaiting repair, redecoration or re-letting. We want to make sure that they stay empty so that we can carry out this work as quickly as possible, then let them to people needing homes who are on the waiting or transfer lists.

A squatter is someone who enters and remains in the property as a trespasser.

An unauthorised occupant is when a person remains in the property after the tenancy has ended.

Although we regularly visit properties we know to be empty, we appreciate information we receive from our tenants on vacant properties that we may not be aware of.

If you become aware of squatters or unauthorised occupants in a property that you know to be vacant - perhaps one tenant has moved out, and another has not yet moved in - we would be grateful if you would let us know by contacting your Area Housing Office. This information will be treated in confidence.

We can then commence investigations, and take appropriate legal action to evict them in most cases.