Squatting

[Kieranbob]

Wondering if any one could help me out

Was thinking about setting up a squat in our area because our rent is being increased dramatically so squatting seems to be the only solution (even if only temporary)

now ive already visited the potential squat (abandoned shop) but have no idea what to do about gas and water, any ideas to get around this problem?

i would imagine companies wouldnt be too happy about supplying a squat though

thanks

[An archist]

where do you live?
the great thing about capitalism is that most companies don't care who they sell to, so unless gas and water are controlled by the government, there shouldn't be a problem in that.

Now, other things: do you know who owns the place? what their plans are with it?
Before doing anything, get together a band of people who want to squat with you and get advice from people with experience, they can help you get in and seal the place off. It can also be handy to get a few press numbers, in case the police arrive and want to put you out without a warrant (in most countries, this is illegal)

[Forward Union]

Originally posted by [email protected] 02, 2007 11:01 pm
Was thinking about setting up a squat in our area because our rent is being increased dramatically so squatting seems to be the only solution (even if only temporary)

Well, as I helped crack a building, I may be of some help. We're still holding it, and have done so since october. One thing you could think about if rent is going up a lot, could be to encourage a lot of students, homeless people and immigrants to start up a squatting guild, to take as many buildings as possible and defend eachother from eviction. Bit of an ambitious idea, so I suggest you just sort yourself out first.


now ive already visited the potential squat (abandoned shop) but have no idea what to do about gas and water, any ideas to get around this problem?

It isn't a problem as long as the gas and water still work. If they do, then phone up the water board, gas board, and sort out paying for it as if you own the building, they wont care. Because section 6 basically says that the building is yours until you're evicted, and these people want to make money.

If the water/gas/ellectrisity doesn't work, contact the Advisory service for squatters (http://www.squatter.org.uk/) and also, the Social centres network (http://www.londonarc.org/social_centre_network.html). They may be able to send skilled squatters to you to help fix the gas or whatever, but it may be better to hire a professional.

If the building is fairly new, it's pretty likely it will all be in order. It's also possible that the ellectristy/gas/water wont come on because it hasn't been paid for.


i would imagine companies wouldn't be too happy about supplying a squat though

Well, as I said, that's never been a problem before, and it shouldn't be, as it's your building. So long as you change the locks, it's also useful to post a letter to yourself, as it proves you're the recognised homeowner. Anyway there are loads of little tips like that on the sites I linked to above.

You should also buy a copy of the Squatters Handbook (http://www.squatter.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=33) and perhaps take 3 seconds to read the ridiculously short Section 6 (http://www.squat.freeserve.co.uk/section6.htm)

Though I am gambling that you live in the UK :rolleyes:

[Kieranbob]

Well i live in the south west of England about an hour from Bristol in Weston-super-mare. Problem with contacting the local pres is that they tend to be used as conservative propaganda so i dont think they would take my point of view, but will se e if there are any independent reporters/journalists about.

I think the propety is owned by the council but ive talked to the neighbours and they said no-ones been there for years. It is all boarded up away, just had to make a few adjustments to let myself in.

the water does still work but is kind of brown, not sure if thats going to be safe to drink.
but dont think the gas is working, possibly something wrong with the boiler or pipes.

any idea where to get a copy of the handbook from?

[Forward Union]

Originally posted by [email protected] 03, 2007 12:26 pm
any idea where to get a copy of the handbook from?

You can order The NEW Squatters Handbook ( 12th edition ) from Advisory Service For Squatters, 84b Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX.

It costs only £2.00 inc postage. ISBN 0 -950776 --5

Write, phone, or email the friendly office staff for your copy.


Phone :- 020 3216 - 0099 or 0845 644 5814 ( cheaper rate for landlines outside London) fax: 020 3216 0098

or email:- [email protected]

Good luck mate.

[Hiero]

What does "crack a building" mean?

[Forward Union]

Originally posted by [email protected] 03, 2007 05:35 pm
What does "crack a building" mean?
If you have "cracked" a building it means you've got into it, by force.

[Fawkes]

the water does still work but is kind of brown, not sure if thats going to be safe to drink.
That's most likely from rust and I would not reccomend drinking it.

[The Feral Underclass]

Originally posted by Love Underground+February 03, 2007 06:49 pm--> (Love Underground @ February 03, 2007 06:49 pm)
[email protected] 03, 2007 05:35 pm
What does "crack a building" mean?
If you have "cracked" a building it means you've got into it, by force. [/b]
But what LU mean is, he allegedly broke an entry, because obviously that's against the law and we wouldn't want anyone to think that he was implicit in a crime :)

[Jazzratt]

LU has this covered, I think that the squatters handbook is a fucking great document, and since it's from the A.S.S it's very reliable. The A.S.S is a very useful organisation for squatters and helped me and my mates when we were kicked out of out old squat (they even tried to prevent us being kicked out - but you know how it is, fucking judges).

[Forward Union]

Originally posted by The Anarchist [email protected] 03, 2007 09:40 pm
But what LU mean is, he allegedly broke an entry, because obviously that's against the law and we wouldn't want anyone to think that he was implicit in a crime :)
Well, technically then we didn't 'crack' the building. Because nothing was damaged getting in.

[The Feral Underclass]

Originally posted by Love Underground+February 04, 2007 10:42 am--> (Love Underground @ February 04, 2007 10:42 am)
The Anarchist [email protected] 03, 2007 09:40 pm
But what LU mean is, he allegedly broke an entry, because obviously that's against the law and we wouldn't want anyone to think that he was implicit in a crime :)
Well, technically then we didn't 'crack' the building. Because nothing was damaged getting in. [/b]
Criminal!