You can be arrested and evicted if you are squatting in Widnes.
Squatting means living in a property in Widnes without the permission of the homeowner.
Squatting is generally used as the final option by a homeless individual in Hale Bank, Allerton, or Widnes.
It's not a long-term alternative for homeless persons and you'll most like be removed from Widnes and probably arrested by the police.
If you have continued to live in the property in Cheshire after your lease ended, you are not a squatter.
Squatting in a private property in Widnes without permission qualifies as criminal offense.
You can get arrested and in case you get convicted, you might:
Sent for up to six months in prison in Widnes
Pay a fine around £5,000
However, you can avoid the arrest in Cheshire if:
You remained in the land in Widnes after the end of tenancy or license
Entered the property in Cheshire believing that you were a tenant - for instance, if you were rented by a bogus letting agent, they had no right to it
Being a Traveller or Gypsy staying on an illegal site in Widnes
As a Widnes squatter, you may be removed from a property if:
The police in Cheshire are unwilling to arrest you
The owner in Hale Bank, Widnes, or Allerton is not involving police
You live in business premises in Widnes
The Widnes property owner may change the locks to the squatter's room(s) while the latter is away.
If you're refusing to leave the Widnes property, the owner must get the Cheshire court order to carry out the eviction.
The owner cannot use violence against you or threaten you.
It is necessary or the owner to provide a squatter with a copy of possession claim form either through the letterbox or front door before the 5 days of the hearing in a court in Cheshire (2 days in case of evicting squatters from the commercial place).
The forms must have a defence form and information about the venue and time of the court hearing.
If you happen not to be a squatter in Widnes, you will have to challenge the case of the property owner.
You can do this by replying through the defence form to the court and go to the court hearing in Widnes.
However, if the court in Cheshire rules that you are squatting, they will order you to leave the Widnes property right away.
In case you decline to move from the property, the owner can request court bailiffs in Cheshire to escort you out.
Squatters in Allerton, Widnes, or Hale Bank are classed as homeless as they have no where to stay.
Since you don't have somewhere to go to, it would be wise to apply to the local council in Widnes for help as a homeless person.
The Cheshire council will find alternative accommodation in Widnes for you if homeless and single.
Those who are priority can also get emergency housing from the council in Cheshire as opposed to sleeping rough.
The council in Widnes can provide emergency housing to the people who are vulnerable, have children or are pregnant.
The council does not have to offer emergency or long term housing if restrictions of residences or immigration apply to you, for instance if you are seeking asylum in Allerton, Hale Bank, or Widnes or your immigration status means you have 'no recourse to public funds'.
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