The rights of squatters and those who own property

Police in Melbourne’s west say they’ve noticed an uptick in people assuming control of abandoned homes.

But what rights do they have? And what about those who own the property?

Neil Mitchell investigated the issue on Friday.

“In Victoria, there is no law against squatting, but there is a law against trespass,” Tony Carbone, Managing Partner of Carbone Lawyers, explained.

“It’s a very fine line.”

Press PLAY below to hear the laws around squatting explained

Picture: Getty iStock