Squatting is when someone deliberately enters property without permission and lives there, or intends to live there. 

Anyone who originally enters a property with the permission of the landlord is not a squatter, eg if you’re renting a property and fall behind with rent payments you’re not squatting if you continue to live there.

Visit  GOV.UK Opens in a new window for more information on squatting and the law including:

• Squatting in non-residential properties
• Squatters' rights to property
• Stop squatters legally possessing property
• Remove squatters
• Where to get help

Social housing

If you suspect squatters have moved into a registered provider’s (housing association) property, contact the registered provider direct.