Recovery of land or premises from unlawful occupiers or squatters

As a commercial property owner faced with squatters or unlawful occupiers on your premises, you will need to obtain a Court Order to remove them. In some situations, the trespassers will move on without dispute and the process will be straightforward.

However, if a dispute ensues then a Court hearing will be required. At no point should you attempt to remove the trespassers yourself. The burden of proof lies with you to demonstrate that you own the land and that the land or property has been unlawfully occupied. You must serve the trespassers with a copy of the application for the Court hearing, although they will not be expected to attend.

If, as is usually the case, you are successful, the Court will grant you immediate possession. If the trespassers continue to refuse to leave, then you can instruct a Bailiff to remove them. If you are a landlord and would like to discuss recovery of land or premises further, please call us on 01733 888888 or email enquiries@buckles-law.co.uk.