Kraken
Squatting
Squatting is the occupation and use of a vacant building without the owner's consent, with the intention of residing there.
Squatting refers to the unlawful occupation of real property that is not used as residential accommodation. This typically occurs in vacant buildings and constitutes an infringement of the owner’s property rights.
In the Netherlands, squatting has been a criminal offence since 2010 under Article 138 of the Criminal Code. The owner may seek the squatters’ removal through both criminal and civil proceedings.
In practice, squatting occurs predominantly in urban areas and regularly gives rise to litigation concerning eviction, damages and the provision of alternative housing.
“The owner has obtained a court eviction order against the squatters who had been occupying the premises for months.”
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