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Send a letter addressed to yourself in your new home. This is sufficient proof for the police that you live there. Make sure that there is somebody in as much as possible in the first week or two, especially if the place is being worked on. It is often a good idea to keep a copy of the squatters’ legal warning by the front door, because the owners may come round and try to repossess the place by pretending that they thought there was no-one living there. It is illegal for them to throw you out if you are in physical occupation of the place when they arrive. They can be prosecuted if they do this.

If you have to leave the place empty, leave a radio on to give the impression that somebody is in. Explain to anyone who shows an interest or hassles you that you are homeless and have a legal right to occupy the empty property. it is a good idea to keep fairly quiet for the first two or three days to give the neighbours time to get used to you. Normally you will have no interference from them.

It is normally in your interest to have a legal supply of gas and electricity. If you don’t, you could be disconnected or charged with theft, and some councils have been using this to carry out dodgy evictions.

You should go to a showroom of your regional Electricity company and probably have to fill in a form. In many places they are demanding to see a tenancy agreement unless you can tell them you had an account which was up-to-date at your previous place. It can be better to go to a showroom in an area less known for squatting and say you work in the area and can’t get to the local one.

Don’t tell them you’re squatting as they are not obliged to supply you and are increasingly reluctant to do so. Phone ASS for more information if you have problems.

Gas is similar but tends to be less hassle.

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