Examples of squatting in private homes abound in the media and, if the figures are to be believed, the trend is set to intensify. Many of you, as private homeowners, are worried about the rise in this kind of nuisance, but what is the reality? To help you see things more clearly, One Prevention sets out the facts.
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What does the law say?
Definition:
In French law, the right to property is fundamental. It is enshrined in the Constitution (Art. 17): “Property being an inviolable and sacred right, no one may be deprived of it”. Consequently, if your property is unlawfully occupied, you are fully entitled to assert your rights. In practice, solutions are not always that simple. Beyond being deprived of the use of your property, taking action to recover it is complex.
Remedies and penalties:
You can opt for a so-called accelerated procedure by filing a complaint. The Prefect will then set a date by which the squatters must vacate the premises, with police assistance if necessary. You can also take legal action by asking a judge to order the eviction of the occupants. However, this procedure is complex and tedious. Even though the “flagrante delicto” period has been reduced to 48 hours and the winter eviction moratorium no longer applies to squatters, the tensions created by the dispute remain high. At the end of the procedure, offenders face up to one year in prison and a fine of up to €15,000.
Who is affected?
It is easy to feel helpless when faced with the illegal occupation of your home , whether your main residence or a second home. Any homeowner can suddenly find themselves confronted with this problem without even having seen the warning signs, especially as the authorities struggle to find lasting solutions.
How can you protect yourself?
The benefits of security guarding:
To protect their homes, some of you will be tempted to use alarms. However, this type of system quickly reaches its limits, as it is designed more to deter than to prevent. Having dedicated staff guarantees peace of mind. Alone or accompanied by a dog, their role is to intervene and above all to prevent any damage to your property. Not only can they alert the police in the event of an alarm, they will also be able to restrain intruders.
One Prévention protects you:
One Prevention is a 100% local company operating in the Toulouse area, offering a security guarding service tailored to your needs. When you are away for a long period (holidays, working day), your home is effectively protected by highly qualified staff. Beyond the deterrent effect, having your home guarded by One Prevention allows you to effectively protect your property against any intrusion or act of vandalism. Our staff act calmly and are able to handle any incident professionally.
Choosing One Prevention’s solutions lets you avoid long and costly procedures and stay focused and at ease in your daily activities.