Can I as owner evict squatters from my (empty?) BTL?

[JDO]

I have just returnd from holiday to find that one of my btl properties has been abandoned by my tenant and the house is now being used as a party/drug house by persons i do not know.

The neighbour to the property has given me all sorts of details regarding illegal activity going on in the house.

As yet, the house has not been wrecked but I'm sure that is only a matter of time.

What can I do to regain my property...Is it worth calling the police or will they tell me to sort it myself.

No one has any legal reight to be in the property so were do I stand with removing the people from the house?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

John
Very worried landlord

[Editor]

This is an emergency situation and you need to act quickly.
One option is to go straight to the professionals who are experienced in dealing with this type of situation - LandlordAction or Regency Law both advertise their serveices on LandlordZONE and will work to standard prices.
If you want to DIY I would first of all inform your local authority rent officer of the situation. Your absconded tenant still has tenancy rights and if you take over and he/she returns you could have legal problems.
I would then ask the police to see if they will co-operate in removing your squatters - sometimes they will.
Failing that you need to start possession proceedings to remove your squatters - contact your local court - this "should" be a quick process.
You may need to get the court bailiffs involved once you have your order.

[JDO]

Editor - thank you for your reply.

It is very helpful

Regards

John

[King Amdo]

...if so stop paniking. You might be able to get the place totally refitted if you're lucky!

Just see a solicitor if you wanna regain possession....and make sure that the situation regarding the existing official tennant is starightened out. You could always go round and chill out an smoke some weed! (sorry). But seriously, squatters have certain protection in law. The police cannot legally just go round there and kick everyone out (allthough of course they do this sometimes)...nor can you...you'll need a court order.

Stay cool and don't threaten anyone.

[King Amdo]

...theres a lot of homeless people around, and you're obviously not desitute! If you want the place back just evict them through the usual way.