Squatting (occupying an empty building without the owner's permission) is not illegal in England!!! There are even websites that provide a guide on how to do it.
It is not a criminal offense so long as the building is not forcibly entered. Often an abandoned, vandalized property is entered and then the squatter changes the locks to keep others (the owner) out. There is a legal process that the landlord/owner must go through to evict the squatter. They must go to a civil court to gain a possession order. If a squatter can prove they occupied a property for 12 or more years, it becomes the property of the squatter.
Unbelievable!
A recent news story caught my eye where a family is living nearby in a flat while their recently purchased million-pound house is being renovated. They purchased the house in December. In January a group of squatters entered the house. They have been occupying the property for more than a month even though it has no power or water. The owner has been to court four times to get them out. The squatters are receiving free legal aid since they are jobless EU (European Union) citizens.
See the link below for the news article:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23925382-squatters-given-legal-aid-to-stay-in-pound-1m-property.do
Perhaps the laws need updating?
