Property owners are increasingly looking to take out insurance coverage to protect against the risk of squatters occupying their properties, according to Aviva.
The internet is being exploited by squatters to provide information regarding vacant properties and their legal rights.
In response to the rising problem the Home Office has released guidance for concerned property owners.
During the last two years demand for legal expenses cover for property-related disputes has trebled, with a third of such claims relating to the eviction of unauthorised occupants.
Aviva Underwriting Manager Matt Gordon has stated that broker feedback indicates a substantial lack of knowledge amongst property owners when it comes to the legal status of squatters and their removal, in stark contrast to the squatters themselves.
Property owners must apply for an interim possession order (IPO) within 28 days of learning of the squatters’ presence, and after the IPO is granted the squatters must leave within 24 hours, or commit a criminal offence for which they may be arrested.
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