Help 4 Landlords
Regain possession from trespassers through the right route
A person occupying without permission may require a trespasser possession claim and authorised enforcement. The facts must first confirm there is no tenancy, licence or other right to occupy. Self-help can create safety and legal risk.
A person occupying without permission may require a trespasser possession claim and authorised enforcement. The facts must first confirm there is no tenancy, licence or other right to occupy. Self-help can create safety and legal risk.
What this helps you protect
- Classify the occupation before choosing procedure
- Preserve ownership and occupation evidence
- Plan safe service and enforcement
- Avoid treating a former tenant or licensee as a trespasser without review
Gather title or management evidence, photographs, dates, access information and any communication with the occupiers. Consider vulnerable people, belongings, utilities, damage and site safety. Residential squatting may also engage criminal law, but police involvement does not replace the civil possession route in every situation.
Case preparation
Why the file matters as much as the form
The page deliberately avoids promising immediate removal. The available procedure, court listing and enforcement depend on the property and facts. Commercial premises, open land and residential buildings can require different practical planning.
A careful review also helps the landlord distinguish what is known from what still needs proof. That supports a realistic discussion about cost, timing and whether voluntary resolution should be attempted before the next formal stage.
Useful documents to gather
- Written tenancy, lease or occupation terms
- Payment schedule and supporting records
- Deposit and statutory information where relevant
- Repairs, inspections, correspondence and incident evidence
- Every notice, court order or letter already sent
A clear route
How the staged process works
The exact law and forms depend on the case, but the working method is consistent: understand, verify, act and review before escalating.
Start with the facts
Explain the tenancy or occupation, what has happened, the outcome you need and any deadlines. A clear chronology helps identify the relevant jurisdiction and route.
Review the evidence
Bring the written terms, payment record, deposit information, prescribed documents, correspondence, photographs and any previous notice. Missing evidence is easier to address before proceedings begin.
Choose and complete the correct step
The notice, pre-action letter, claim or enforcement application must match the facts. The aim is a defensible file, not paperwork issued for speed alone.
Progress only when the legal trigger is met
If the tenant or debtor does not resolve the matter, the next stage is discussed with its cost, evidence and court or enforcement dependency made clear.
Transparent residential pricing
Start with the stage your case needs
For standard residential possession work, Strike 1 is £200. Strike 2 starts from £700 plus £452 court fees. The current facts and paperwork are reviewed before confirming scope. Commercial, defended, complex, enforcement, tracing and debt matters are quoted separately.
Common questions
Questions landlords ask about this route
Are squatters the same as tenants?
No. A tenancy or licence creates different rights and procedures. The occupation must be classified carefully.
Can the police remove squatters?
Residential squatting can be a criminal offence, but police response and civil possession are distinct. Obtain situation-specific advice.
Can I enter and remove belongings?
Do not take unsafe or unlawful self-help. Ownership, access, belongings and potential breach-of-peace issues need planning.
What evidence is useful?
Proof of ownership/control, photographs, dates, access details and records of any permission or communication.
How quickly can possession be recovered?
That depends on procedure, court and enforcement availability. No fixed date can be promised.
Make the first review productive
Bring the documents in date order and identify the outcome you need, any urgent deadline and anything the tenant disputes. That gives the case handler a clearer starting point, reduces repeated requests and helps separate immediate action from later court, recovery or enforcement decisions.