Running a commercial property leads to tough experiences including handling unauthorized property occupants. An empty property attracts unlawful living by unknown people. Having basic knowledge about legal forms commercial lease steps to evict squatters helps in solving this problem. This guide provides you important details for dealing with squatters in your commercial buildings.
Is Squatting in a Commercial Property Illegal?
Occupying a commercial space without permission does not legally qualify as a crime. Ignorance of the law doesn’t permit squatters to engage in damages or theft of utilities while causing public disturbances. When unlawful behavior happens authorities can step in.
How to keep your commercial property safe:
Stop squatters from accessing your commercial building through defensive methods. Follow these measures to lower the chances of squatters entering your property:
- Secure entry points:All entry areas should have their locks in place effectively.
- Install security systems:Adding cameras, alarms and watch guards can help scare off unauthorized people from entering the property.
- Limit vacant periods:Keep your property occupied since constant use prevents squatters from entering.
- Disconnect utilities:Switching off electrical and water systems will make your property less desirable to squatters.
- Regular inspections:Routine checks will uncover unauthorized occupancy before it becomes big.
Legal and Financial Risks of Squatters
When you let squatters stay there you encounter various issues including:
- You will no longer be able to rent or sell your real estate unless they are present.
- As the property owner you remain accountable for building expenses and service costs even though squatters use the facilities.
- The owner must pay for restoring the building after squatters break things and leave dangerous materials on the site.
- People who stay in a property without permission for several years may later claim legal ownership.
Do Squatters have right to Claim Ownership of a Commercial Property?
Under adverse possession rules people who occupy your property without permission for ten to twelve years get to take ownership. Property owners need to act quickly when they find squatters to avoid losing their property rights.
The Procedure to Evict Squatters from Business Land:
You need to start legal eviction steps if you fail to settle with the intruders.
- Gathering Evidence:Record the presence of squatters through visual and written proof plus statements from witnesses.
- Serving a Formal Notice:You need to hand out an official letter to require squatters to leave your property.
- Applying for an Interim Possession Order (IPO):The application for an Interim Possession Order needs submission within 28 days starting from the day you find squatters.
The court needs to confirm that squatters reside somewhere without permission. - Serving the IPO:The court approves your IPO request when you need to give notice to the squatters within 48 hours.
- Enforcing Eviction:When occupants refuse to leave despite the IPO authorities handle their removal through legal forces.
Summary
Commercial property owners need to implement protective measures in advance to stop squatters from entering their facility. You need to take immediate legal steps to get back your property once squatters invade it. Seeking professional legal advice helps evict squatters according to all necessary regulations. When dealing with squatters you need to consult with legal experts to defend your property ownership and retake your business space.
