Squatter’s rights

**Money Money Money** · 3 February 2009, 10:36

Originally posted by gingerjedi View Post

Is there any good reason that a tenant who claims 100% housing benefit should have the money paid to them rather than the landlord who provides the said housing? My stepfather has a BTL with a tenant who hasn’t paid a penny in rent for 12 months, I can’t believe he’s let it go on this long.

They're facing financial ruin and there’s sod all they can do other than to start court proceedings which will cost them more money with no certain outcome, the law is an ass.

24 hours in a van outside, as soon as they leave, change the locks.

HTH

**minestrone** · 3 February 2009, 10:37

Originally posted by Money Money Money View Post

24 hours in a van outside, as soon as they leave, change the locks.

HTH

The police can arrest you for doing that.

While I am sure there are good reason for squatter's rights 90% they are abused.

**FSM with Cheddar** · 3 February 2009, 10:44

There is a clear route for getting people out of your house. The maximum time it can take is 6 weeks. With a very definite result at the end. Even if they do claim squatter's rights etc.

**Drewster** · 3 February 2009, 10:49

Originally posted by FSM with Cheddar View Post

There is a clear route for getting people out of your house. The maximum time it can take is 6 weeks. With a very definite result at the end. Even if they do claim squatter's rights etc.

And it is possible to get them out sooner - If you "Ask them politely"..... well if you get 3-4 very large ugly blokes to "Ask them politely".....

disclaimer: I am not advocating nor recommending "politeness" as a solution to any legal issues experienced. Any use of "politeness" is carried out at your own risk.

**minestrone** · 3 February 2009, 10:52

I know someone who let himself into his own flat when the tennant had not paid up in 4 months and the police were called.

Ended up getting a restraining order put against him.

**zara_backdog** · 3 February 2009, 10:55

Originally posted by Money Money Money View Post

24 hours in a van outside, as soon as they leave, change the locks.

HTH

"24 hours in a van outside, change locks, move in and claim squatters rights yourself! - them move out after a couple of weeks and hand house back to Stepdad.

**DimPrawn** · 3 February 2009, 10:55

The joys of BTL.

All this hassle for a depreciating asset.

He should have sold up a couple of years ago.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/e...e-in-2003.html

**gingerjedi** · 3 February 2009, 11:17

But what about my first question:

Is there any good reason that a tenant who claims 100% housing benefit should have the money paid to them rather than direct to the landlord?

I can’t think of any reason whatsoever??

Back in the 80’s my real dad used to own a block of 7 flats and he deliberately filled them with people on housing benefit as the DSS paid top whack and paid on time, why are tenants now allowed to redirect money that isn’t intended for them?

**DimPrawn** · 3 February 2009, 11:17

Originally posted by gingerjedi View Post

But what about my first question:

Is there any good reason that a tenant who claims 100% housing benefit should have the money paid to them rather than direct to the landlord?

I can’t think of any reason whatsoever??

Back in the 80’s my real dad used to own a block of 7 flats and he deliberately filled them with people on housing benefit as the DSS paid top whack on paid on time, why are tenants now allowed to redirect money that isn’t intended for them?

All in the name of "fairness".

Squatter’s rights