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The End to “Squatters Rights”

4th September 2012
The End to “Squatters Rights” image

The End to “Squatters Rights”

From 1st September 2012 squatting in residential buildings will become a criminal offence. The offence will be punishable by up to 6 months in prison, a £5,000 fine or both.

Up until 1st September 2012 the law has always protected squatters – people who take up residence in empty homes. Under the old law the only option of homeowners who had their home taken over by squatters was to seek a civil Court Order to regain possession of their property which was both time consuming and expensive. For the first time however squatting is now a criminal offence.

The new law aims to protect homeowners or legitimate tenants who have been kept out of their homes by squatters. It will also protect people who own residential buildings in which they do not live in such as Landlords, Local Authorities or second homeowners.

Anyone therefore who has squatters in their residential property can report the matter to the Police who should take immediate action.

Should you require any further information regarding this or any other matter relating to residential property/tenancies then please contact our James Turner at james.turner@maplessolicitors.com or call the office on 01775 722261


LPA and Court of Protection Talk image

LPA and Court of Protection Talk

We are delighted to be attending Glenholme Halmer Court to give a talk on Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection matters.  The talk will begin at 2.30pm on Friday 24th May. For more information, please contact the home direct on 01775 662222 or halmercourt@glenholme.org.uk

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Jamie Dobbs FCILEx

"I should like to take this opportunity to express my very sincere and grateful thanks for Jamie's unfailing helpfulness and efficiency in all aspects of the handling of my late stepmother's estate. Jamie have always replied to my (many!) queries promptly and comprehensively which has been a enormous help throughout what I know can be a fraught and stressful process. Sadly, it is increasingly rare these days to experience the highs standards of service that Jamie has provided."

Gemma Mayer LLB

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Anita Toal LLB BA

"I think you are brilliant. You can use my comments above. You are efficient, friendly and quite clearly very good at what you do. Mainly you don’t leave people hanging around too long for." "So easy to talk to her and she understood what I wanted. She put me at ease and I cant thank her enough"

James Turner BA

James Turner was extremely helpful with our buying process. Everything went smoothly. We are very happy with the level of professionalism demonstrated by the office. Highly recommended solicitors. Will definitely do business with them again.

Daven Naghen LLB

"Daven provided an excellent service, from attending the first interview with me to the final court appearance. He filled me full of confidence that he would defend me to which he did and come out with an excellent outcome in view of my position that I had put myself in."

Faye Blair LLB

Faye was excellent, sensitive and acted very well to the time constraints we faced. Great service and dealt with compassion at such sad times made the process less painful very professional.

Jamie Dobbs GCILEx

Over the last forty years I have cause to deal with many law firms both in a personal and professional capacity, including some ‘top’ London Companies. In all of those dealings I have never found anyone as proactive and so willing to offer help and advice as Jamie Dobbs. During the last two years Jamie guided my parents through the completion of Lasting Powers of Attorney. Helped myself with the use of the LPA and recently dealing with Probate and Estate Administration following their death.

Mike Pepper MA

Mike Pepper gave us excellent advice. He was always most helpful and accommodating giving lucid explanations every step of the way. Thank you Mike.

Donna Sandison FCILEx

Donna has been helpful and professional every step of the way during the process. Always on hand to answer any queries and totally professional and friendly at all times.