When a neighbour phoned Julian and Samantha Mosedale to report he’d seen many people coming and going from their house, the nightmare began.
Renovating their £285,000, three-bedroom home whilst living in another property to rent, the Mosedale’s discovered to their horror they had unwanted guests. Romanian squatters were living in their home. They had moved in changing the locks in the process.
The Mosedales took legal action and secured a court order to pressure them to leave which they finally did – several weeks later.
The couple, both 45 with three young children, found it deeply challenging when they found themselves fighting for their rights to reclaim to their home.
Mr Mosedale, an illustrator, said: “I’ve had to get title deeds, mortgage papers and council tax documents to prove the ownership of my house before they would help us.
“It was so difficult to get the police on our side; they gave the benefit of the doubt to the squatters. I found it quite unbelievable.”
“Seeing them standing on my doorstep was like being burgled but you’re watching it and there’s nothing you can do about it. It made me feel ill.”
It’s noteworthy, however, that the squatters themselves had unwittingly fallen victim to a scam. After replying to an advert left on the property’s gate, they paid a hefty £2000 upfront then £300 weekly thereafter to a man who gave them – what he claimed to be – a landlords tenancy agreement. From their perspective, they had done nothing wrong.
But still, it’s a nightmare no homeowner wants to go through. Whether owner-occupiers or private landlords letting a series of investment properties, it’s important to take all measures possible to protect empty dwellings and prevent this costly, highly stressful situation.
Read “Squatters – a landlord’s worst nightmare. How to avoid and remove.” for more information