how to prevent squatters

soolin

It's a long story but I'll try and keep it brief.

Basically I am going to be legally in charge of a property and at the moment that property is standing empty. The house is run down and needs extensive refurbishment plus the lean to extension needs to be knocked down and a new kitchen extension built. All this is to do the hous eup and either sell it or rent it out to get funds for the long term care of the owner.

I had estate agents round today and they have warned me that the area is prone to squatters and they said I need to protect the property while the legal stuff is going through. One suggested that I need to get a builder in to remove all th eplumbed fittings as a squatter can't get legal rights if there is no access to water, is this correct?

Otherwise how best can I protect the property? I intend visiting 2 or 3 times a week but as it is a 2 1/2 hour round trip I can't manage any more on top of hospital visiting, and of course until I get legal guardianship I can't proceed with any renovations etc.

The house has already been empty for 10 days so I suppose I ought to notify the insurers, is there anyone else I really need to talk to as well?

Sorry for all the questions, but this is a very stressful time and I can't think straight.

Gorgeous_George

Tell the council and you should be council tax free for 6 months. Tell the Post Office to redirect mail. Install timers for the lights and perhaps a radio. This will give the illusion that the house is occupied. Install an alarm - some phone you or a number(s) of your choice.

Consider selling as is. In a potentially falling market the work could bring no benefit.



GG

thesaint

I have no idea about the water supply.Best bet is to prevent them getting in in the first place.Fit some good locks, and get some lamps that are turned on at a certain time/ alternate times each day.If someone gets in, forget the Police, visit the local pub and negotiate a removal squad to visit the property on your behalf.

lynzpower

someone i know was asked to live in the property for a peppercorn amount. think she paid about 50 per month. apparently the place was a bin tho , but hey, some people like it dont they.

Snow_Dog

Thats a really good call Lynzpower,

You could also, if the property needs doing up ask them to help out in return for reduced rent.

soolin

Thank you for everything so far. Gorgeous George, I wouldn't normally consider renovating as I am stressed enough as it is arguing with social services about care for my relative, but the estate agents suggested a figure of between £40,000 and £50,000 more for a renovated place for renovation costs of approx £25,000 and an extra few thousand will mean longer in a private nuring home for my relative.

The place is in London so prices are still firm and rising and it is within a few minutes walk of a London teaching hospital so the potential rental from doctors is very high, and at a premium.

Guy_Montag

Do you know any students or young people who'd be prepared to live there over the summer in exchange for living rent free. Could you even afford to go so far as to pay them a small stipend for food & beer (or just drop off food parcels when you visit)?

My guess is that if you get your act together you get at least ensure the place is secure by the the end of the summer.


Also make friends with the neighbours (if there are any) make sure they all have your number so that if they see something suspicious they can let you know asap - you need to get the police before any sign of breaking & entering is covered up, that is the key.

soolin

lynzpower wrote: »

someone i know was asked to live in the property for a peppercorn amount. think she paid about 50 per month. apparently the place was a bin tho , but hey, some people like it dont they.

This place is unlikely yo have a kitchen though for a good few weeks...I wonder if it still might be worth contacting the HR department of local hospital to see if they have any student nurses without accomodation who would be happy to eat out *and* live in a building site? The bedrooms are the best rooms in the house, they just need updating with new wallpaper and carpets.

soolin

Guy_Montag wrote: »

Also make friends with the neighbours (if there are any) make sure they all have your number so that if they see something suspicious they can let you know asap - you need to get the police before any sign of breaking & entering is covered up, that is the key.

Unfortunately none of the immediate neighbours speak very good English and they tend to keep themselves to themselves, I'm not sure I can rely on them to warn me of problems.

Thank you though for all these ideas, it certainly is giving me some more things to think about.

peter999

There is a big house at end of my road in North London that has been empty for years.

Front garden is overgrown, back garden has long wall next to pavement/road, which is massively overgrown along pavement, giving a tunnel of vegetation to walk under along pavement.

I'm amazed it hasn't been squatted, as it's on corner of 2 roads, close to major shopping centre.

If you keep it looking like it's occupied, you might be ok.

peter999

maninthestreet

Get a plumber to remove the toilet - not even squatters like to live in a house with no toilet.