The authorities in Hastings can arrest or evict you if you're squatting.
Squatting refers to the occupation of property or land in Hastings without owner's or tenant's consent.
Worthy of mention is that squatting in Robertsbridge, Bexhill, or Rye can only be considered as a last resort.
It doesn't offer a lasting solution for a destitute as you are likely to be evicted from the Hastings premises and sent to the bars by the police.
If you remain on a property in East Sussex after the expiration of your license or tenancy, you will not be regarded as a squatter.
Squatting in a residential property in Hastings is a criminal act.
You can be arrested and if convicted can be:
Be imprisoned in Hastings to a maximum of 6 months
Pay a fine of up to £5,000
However, you won't be arrested in East Sussex if you are:
You were residing in the property of rent in Hastings after the expiry of your tenancy or license
A fake agent rented you to a property in East Sussex which they had no right to, as it is not your fault
Are living on an unapproved site in Hastings as a traveller or a gypsy
Squatters in Hastings can be evicted if:
The East Sussex police do not want to arrest you
The property owner in Bexhill, Robertsbridge, or Rye doesn't want to involve the police
They are living in a commercial premises in Hastings
The owner in Hastings can change the locks of the doors when you're not at home.
The owner can get a court order in East Sussex if you or another squatter refuse to leave the property in Hastings.
It is against the law to harass or threaten you.
The owner of the property is bound to deliver copy of documents with possession claim to the squatter through post or letterbox no less than five days before the proceedings of the court in East Sussex or at least two days before in case of a commercialized property.
These must be accompanied by a defence form and the details of the time and place of the court hearing.
You have a right to contest the landowner's case if you are not squatting on the property in Hastings.
You can do this by replying through the defence form to the court and go to the court hearing in Hastings.
If you are actually an unauthorised occupant, you may be compelled by court in East Sussex to immediately move out of the Hastings property.
Failure to do so might cause the property owner to involve the court bailiffs from East Sussex to evict you.
Squatters in Bexhill, Rye, or Robertsbridge are classified as homeless because you are not entitled to live where you are.
You should apply for assistance as a homeless person to your local council in Hastings.
The East Sussex Council can direct you on how to get somewhere to stay in Hastings if you are homeless and single.
Specialist emergency services are also available in some areas in East Sussex to avoid rough sleeping.
In case you have urgent needs to be met for instance, you are pregnant or have children with you, the local council in Hastings can assist in providing housing on emergency basis.
When visa or social restrictions apply to you, the authority does not have to have temporary or longer-term accommodation (e.g. if your status of immigration indicates you have' no use of public funds' or you are an asylum seeker in Bexhill, Rye, or Robertsbridge).
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