Hello,
I'm new to this forum so pleased to make everyone's acquaintance.
I'm hoping someone can offer some help and guidance on my squatter problem.
I rented my terrace house, which is at the opposite end of the country, on a 6 month AST, to what seemed to be a nice young couple. They paid one months deposit and rent upfront and set up a monthly standing order. All was well with the tenancy until I received anonymous complaint about antisocial behaviour around 4 months in. The complaint informed me that there had been a police raid on my property. I made some investigations with the local police and discovered that one of my tenants had been charged with possession of a class B substance. It was also apparent that other people had been staying at the property other than the couple on the tenancy.
Being a reasonable guy, I decided to give the tenants a slap on the wrist and a good talking to explaining that if the behaviour continued then they would be evicted, given that a brief inspection by a friend, who had agreed to keep an eye on things, had confirmed the property was in good condition. The tenants claimed that members of their family were staying in the house for a while and stated that things had got a bit wild over Christmas and that they would calm things down. Rent continued to be paid and over the coming months and I instructed maintenance and repairs with local contractors promptly upon request by the tenants.
Two weeks ago I received a second anonymous complaint informing me that the police had raided again, this time damaging the front door. A window had also been put through. I stated to the tennants that I wanted them out hoping they would leave peacefully but upon another inspection by a friend it was apparent that further people have decided to move in to the property illegally.
I have now been informed that local squatters who had recently been evicted from a pub down the road have just moved into my house! I believe there are now around 10 people living in my property which presumably includes the original tenants.
I have served section 8 notices on the original tenants by recorded delivery giving grounds 12, 13 and 14 The tenancy has now run its course. I am also in the process of serving section 21 notice in case the S8 fails.
Given that my property was never left unoccupied, are the other people technically squatters? The door was broken by the police, technically the property was insecure when squatters entered, is this an issue? Do I have to begin separate court proceedings for evicting both the tenants and the squatters? Can I regain possession through one court order?. Please can anyone offer me some advice on how to solve this huge mess?
I'm new to this forum so pleased to make everyone's acquaintance.
I'm hoping someone can offer some help and guidance on my squatter problem.
I rented my terrace house, which is at the opposite end of the country, on a 6 month AST, to what seemed to be a nice young couple. They paid one months deposit and rent upfront and set up a monthly standing order. All was well with the tenancy until I received anonymous complaint about antisocial behaviour around 4 months in. The complaint informed me that there had been a police raid on my property. I made some investigations with the local police and discovered that one of my tenants had been charged with possession of a class B substance. It was also apparent that other people had been staying at the property other than the couple on the tenancy.
Being a reasonable guy, I decided to give the tenants a slap on the wrist and a good talking to explaining that if the behaviour continued then they would be evicted, given that a brief inspection by a friend, who had agreed to keep an eye on things, had confirmed the property was in good condition. The tenants claimed that members of their family were staying in the house for a while and stated that things had got a bit wild over Christmas and that they would calm things down. Rent continued to be paid and over the coming months and I instructed maintenance and repairs with local contractors promptly upon request by the tenants.
Two weeks ago I received a second anonymous complaint informing me that the police had raided again, this time damaging the front door. A window had also been put through. I stated to the tennants that I wanted them out hoping they would leave peacefully but upon another inspection by a friend it was apparent that further people have decided to move in to the property illegally.
I have now been informed that local squatters who had recently been evicted from a pub down the road have just moved into my house! I believe there are now around 10 people living in my property which presumably includes the original tenants.
I have served section 8 notices on the original tenants by recorded delivery giving grounds 12, 13 and 14 The tenancy has now run its course. I am also in the process of serving section 21 notice in case the S8 fails.
Given that my property was never left unoccupied, are the other people technically squatters? The door was broken by the police, technically the property was insecure when squatters entered, is this an issue? Do I have to begin separate court proceedings for evicting both the tenants and the squatters? Can I regain possession through one court order?. Please can anyone offer me some advice on how to solve this huge mess?