Eviction Of Squatters In Ashford, Kent

Squatting, without a doubt, can lead to an eviction and arrest in Ashford.

In Ashford In Kent, What Is Squatting?

Squatting refers to the occupation of property or land in Ashford without owner's or tenant's consent.

Squatting is typically a final option for people in Acton, Bagham, or Challock who are homeless.

For the homeless, it is not a long-term alternative as you will be evicted from the Ashford premises and most probably an arrest.

You are not a squatter because you live in a house in Kent when your lease or license has expired.

What Leads To Arrest In Ashford, Kent

You'd be committing a criminal offense if you're squatting in a residential property in Ashford.

You can get arrested and in case you get convicted, you might:

Remand you in Ashford for up to 6 months

Get a fine of £5000 maximum

The following situations in Kent would not warrant an arrest:

Squat In Commercial Property In Bagham, Challock, Or Acton

Continued living in the same premises in Ashford after the end of tenancy or licence

Gained access to the Kent property lawfully believing you were a tenant - for instance, if a rogue letting agent rented you a property they had no right to

You are only a gypsy or traveller camping on an unlicensed land in Ashford

How Squatters Can Be Evicted In Ashford, Kent

Ashford squatters can be evicted for many reasons, such as:

The police in Kent do not want to arrest you

The owner of the property in Bagham, Acton, or Challock is not interested in involving the police

It's commercial premises in Ashford you are living in

The landlord in Ashford may choose to change the locks while everyone is away.

The owner can obtain a court order in Kent if you or any other squatter if you fail to move out of the property in Ashford.

However, the usage of threats or being violent for evicting someone is not legalized.

The property owner must attach a copy of their possession claim to the front door of the house or post it through the letterbox at least five days before the court hearing in Kent.

The documents must contain the information about place and date of hearing in the court and also defence form.

You must challenge the owner's case, in the event that you're not squatting in Ashford.

Then, be present at the court hearing in Ashford and return the defence form to the court.

In case you're indeed a squatter, you will be ordered to vacate the Ashford property right away by the court in Kent.

If you refuse to move on the property owner will request bailiffs from the Kent court to remove you.

Help For The Homeless From The Council In Ashford In Kent

Squatters in Bagham, Acton, or Challock are also called homeless because you cannot claim the right to own a place where you are living.

You can apply as a homeless person at your local council in Ashford for assistance.

The local council in Kent will help you look for a place where you can stay in Ashford if you're single and homeless.

Those who are priority can also get emergency housing from the council in Kent as opposed to sleeping rough.

In case you are badly in need including having children around or expectant, the local authority in Ashford can offer you emergency housing.

However, local council will not be able to assist you in emergency or long-term housing in case you are restricted with residency or immigration status such as asylum seekers in Acton, Challock, or Bagham.