Is Squatting illegal ?

[Cael]

Yes, the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 created the criminal offence of trespass. It was enacted to deal with largescale trespass by groups such as those from the travelling community but it would apply to someone trying to squat on property, public or private.

It is now an offence for anyone, without the consent of the owner, to enter or occupy land; or to bring any object onto it where such entry or occupation is likely to damage the land substantially; affect any amenity to do with the land; prevent anyone entitled to use the land from making reasonable use of it, or render the use of the land unsanitary or unsafe. Offences are punishable by fines of up to €3,000 and/or one month’s imprisonment.

Of course, this dosnt apply where the landlord accepted a tenent and handed over keys.

[ergo2]

sq

[ergo2]

Yes squatting is illegal.

[Christel]

Yes, the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002 created the criminal offence of trespass. It was enacted to deal with largescale trespass by groups such as those from the travelling community but it would apply to someone trying to squat on property, public or private.

It is now an offence for anyone, without the consent of the owner, to enter or occupy land; or to bring any object onto it where such entry or occupation is likely to damage the land substantially; affect any amenity to do with the land; prevent anyone entitled to use the land from making reasonable use of it, or render the use of the land unsanitary or unsafe. Offences are punishable by fines of up to €3,000 and/or one month’s imprisonment.

This refers to land.

Would there be a difference where empty houses are concerned?What in the case of someone who's house is reposessed. He didn't enter it without consent of the owner. All what follows above wouldn't apply?

The purpose of building housing estates was that people live in them. Squatting these would not likely damage them, but could in fact preserve them from getting damp and deteriorate without inhabitants. No amenity would be affected, as they would only be turned into their intended use. No one else is entitled, as long as they are not sold, to make reasonable use of them.

I'd like to know how easily people could get evicted. I feel it might take some time.
What penalties could squatters be expected to pay?

I still like the Netherland's approach:
"Netherlands
In the Netherlands, if a building is empty and not in use for twelve months, and the owner has no pressing need to use it (such as a rental contract starting in the next month), then it can be legally squatted. The only illegal aspect would be forcing an entry, if that was necessary. When a building is squatted, it is normal to send the owner a letter and to invite the police to inspect the squat. The police check whether the place is indeed lived in by the squatter—in legal terms, this means there must be a bed, a chair, a table and a working lock on the door which the squatter can open and close.

In cities, there is often a kraakspreekuur (squatters' conversation hour), at which people planning to squat can get advice from experienced squatters. In Amsterdam, where the squatting community is large, there are four kraakspreekuur sessions in different areas of the city, and so-called "wild" squatting (squatting a building without the help of the local group) is not encouraged.[20] Dutch squatters use the term krakers to refer to people who squat houses with the aim of living in them (as opposed to people who break into buildings for the purpose of vandalism or theft).[18] For some reason, these buildings are usually situated in the city centre, not in the suburbs."
from Squatting - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Cael]

Yes squatting is illegal.

But the point is that a tenant refusing to leave after a landlord has given a notice to quit is not squatting.

[Christel]

But the point is that a tenant refusing to leave after a landlord has given a notice to quit is not squatting.

What if you get access to the house through an auctioneer, then just keep staying in it?
Did you tresspass?

[Cael]

What if you get access to the house through an auctioneer, then just keep staying in it?
Did you tresspass?

Thats a good question, I dont know the answer.

[Elvis Parsley]

What if you get access to the house through an auctioneer, then just keep staying in it?
Did you tresspass?

There was a case in the UK in recent months whereby a couple would take the keys from the estate agent, squat and then move on. They got convicted for deception, I think. I will try to find a link.

Another question, what happens if you're a squatter and the landlord employs the 'Viper' a known criminal to remove you under the guise of debt collection?

[BlowIn]

You leave.

[Seán Mac Stiofán]

Trespass was traditionally unlawful - rather than illegal. That is, it was a civil wrong rather than a crime. This is no longer the case and trespass, thus squatting, is a criminal offence. Unless one manages to get away with it for 12 years (if it is private property) and then they get title over the property by way of adverse possession - squatters rights.

How do you define squatting? Could allowing a relative graze their livestock over your land for a number of years be considered "squatting"??