You can be easily evicted and arrested if you are a squatter in South Shields.
Squatting means living in a property in South Shields without the permission of the homeowner.
When you are homeless in Whitburn, Cleadon, or Jarrow, squatting is the last resort.
It is not a long-term solution as most probably you will be evicted from the property in South Shields and arrested.
You're not squatting if you stayed on in a property in Tyne and Wear after your tenancy or licence ended.
Squatting in a residential property in South Shields is considered a criminal offence.
You risk being arrested and in case you are found guilty, you may:
Prison in South Shields for about six (6) months
Pay a fine around £5,000
However, you can avoid the arrest in Tyne and Wear if:
Remaining on the property in South Shields after the expiration of your license or tenancy
You were deceived by a bogus letting agent into believing that you are a tenant of the Tyne and Wear premises
Are a gypsy living on unauthorized ground in South Shields
You can be removed as a squatter in South Shields if:
Police in Tyne and Wear are not showing an interest for arrestation
The property owner in Cleadon, Jarrow, or Whitburn doesn't want to involve the Police in the matter
It's commercial premises in South Shields you are living in
The South Shields property owner may change the locks to the squatter's room(s) while the latter is away.
The landlord in South Shields would usually have to get a court order in Tyne and Wear if you or some other squatter within the property refuse to leave.
It is illegal for the owner of the premises to make threats or use violence.
It is necessary that the landowner drops the court documents at the front door or in the letter box at least during the 5 days preceding the court hearing in Tyne and Wear; however if you are squatting in commercial premises, this must be done 2 days prior to the court hearing.
These must include a form of defence and information of the court hearing's location and time.
But if you are not squatting in South Shields, you must challenge the owner's case.
This is achieved by returning to the court, the defence form, and attending the hearing at court in South Shields.
The court in Tyne and Wear will order you to vacate the South Shields property immediately if you are a squatter.
If you refuse to move out, the owner can request the court bailiffs in Tyne and Wear to evict you.
Squatters in Whitburn, Cleadon, or Jarrow are categorised as homeless individuals, as they don't have a place to live in.
As a homeless person, you can apply to your local council in South Shields for help.
The Tyne and Wear Council can direct you on how to get somewhere to stay in South Shields if you are homeless and single.
There are certain areas in Tyne and Wear with specialist services to provide emergency assistance to eliminate sleeping rough.
If you are in emergency need such as you are pregnant or have children with you, then the South Shields council must serve you on a priority basis.
You don't have access to such provision if you are affected by residences or immigration restrictions, such as people whose immigration status doesn't give them access to public funds and asylum seekers in Cleadon, Jarrow, or Whitburn are examples of people under such restrictions.
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