Squatters

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What is the quicker procedure?

It is a procedure in which you can apply to the court for an 'interim possession order'. If the court makes the order, anybody occupying your premises without your consent, that is, squatting, must leave within 24 hours of a copy of the order being delivered to them ('served' on them). You are called the 'claimant'. The person (or people) said to be occupying the premises illegally are called the 'defendants'. If the defendants do not leave within 24 hourse, they will be guilty of a criminal offence. You can ask the police to arrest them. If they are convicted, they may be imprisoned, or fined, or both. The court will normally make a decision on your application within a few days of your issuing it. An interim possession order is not a final order giving you possession of the premises. You must, therefore, also make an application for possession when you apply for an interim possession order. A final order for possession will normally be made at a hearing shortly after the interim possession order has been made.