Living rent free in London is easy if you don’t mind surviving a squat. WORDS: Trevor Paddenburg
Ryan Ottenburg lives rent free in a Chelsea maisonette, a minute from the nearest tube, and with an eclectic, fun-loving bunch of housemates.
How the fuck, you ask? Simple. The 23-year-old actor, student and travel junkie from Hungary is a squatter. And he’s not alone —it’s not as big as it was a decade ago, but there’s still a thriving squatting scene in London, and a fair share of Antipodeans and South Africans have jumped on the bandwagon.
“I’m not damaging the place. I’m not out there mugging people. I’m not hurting society. I’m just using an abandoned building … someone may as well use it,” reckons Ottenburg.
But it isn’t five-star luxury. He shares the three-storey, eight-bedroom property with an American and a Russian. The place has electricity and heaters, but no kitchen, no other furniture and no running water, though they’re trying to get the latter connected again.
They sleep on mats and in sleeping bags, and buy groceries that don’t need to be cooked or refrigerated. And although squatting is legal and the cops can’t throw them out, they do live in fear the owner will discover their presence and ‘send round the heavies’.
“It’s been abandoned for a while though, so I think we’re pretty safe,” says Ottenburg. “You never know what’s going to happen, but it’s an inspiring place to be because we have total freedom.”
And he reckons getting to sleep at night isn’t difficult, despite knowing he could be turfed onto the street at any moment.
“I sleep well because I don’t have to worry about paying bills. A lot of people pay £80 a week to stay on a couch and we’re living for free in a £300,000 apartment,” says Ottenburg.
Brisbane traveller Cameron Daley, 27, squatted in four different properties in London for a total of two years. He’s back home now, but told TNT it was one of the most rewarding times of his life.
“It wasn’t always easy. In fact, some places were hell. I remember having to fill up the bath with the kettle at one place in South Kensington, and another squat where there was a heavy situation with Jamaican gangster types trying to come in and take over,” says Daley.
“But it was brilliant living in London’s Zone 1 for nothing. All of your income is disposable. We saved heaps, travelled heaps, and did all the naughty stuff you do in London as well.”
While he came across no shortage of ‘junkies and crackheads’, Daley reckons he met plenty of quality people in the squatting scene.
“Most people associate squatting with a bunch of dirty hippies. There is certainly that element to it. But overall I met really interesting people — some who were just saving money, some who were artists and musicians, some who were against globalisation, and some who were into activism and think we live in a society where there’s so much waste that property sitting idle may as well be put to good use.”
London’s Advisory Service For Squatters agrees no one should be homeless when the city has so many potential squats — some derelict and others merely unoccupied.
As well as publishing a useful handbook and campaigning for squatters’ rights, the service connects squatters with new and existing squats and offers legal advice.
Squatting isn’t for everyone, but if you’re prepared to make a few sacrifices and spice up your time in London while saving a packet of cash, it’s a hell of a way to keep a roof over your head.
» For more information, contact the Advisory Service For Squatters (020-3216 0099; www.squatter.org.uk) or buy their Squatters Handbook for £2.
Know your rights
Tips from the London-based Advisory Service For Squatters.
» Finding a place
There are thousands of uninhabited properties in London. Look for somewhere that’s a bit rundown, neglected or has been vandalised.
» Getting in
Walk straight in, if you can. If not, you will have to break in. If you’re caught red-handed the cops can bust you for criminal damage. Once inside, change the locks.
» Dealing with police
Be polite but firm, don’t open the door or admit to breaking in, and explain that you are not a burglar. You cannot be arrested for squatting.
» Staying in
Send a letter addressed to yourself in your new home. This is sufficient proof for the police you live there. Try to make sure someone is always home.
» Getting connected
Phone up to get the power and water connected, though it can be hard without a tenancy agreement. A mate who is a sparky is very handy.
» Court cases
Always turn up and fight your case — you might get lucky.
Did You Know?
Occupy a squat for 10 years straight and you become the legal owner. Sweet!
LEGAL WARNING
Section 6 Criminal Law Act 1977
As amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
TAKE NOTICE
» THAT we live in this property, it is our home and we intend to stay here.
» THAT at all times there is at least one person in this property.
» THAT any entry or attempt to enter into this property without our permission is a criminal offence as any one of us who is in physical possession is opposed to entry without our permission.
» THAT if you attempt to enter by violence or by threatening violence we will prosecute you. You may receive a sentence of up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
» THAT if you want to get us out you will have to issue a claim in the County Court or in the High Court, or produce to us a written statement or certificate in terms of S.12A Criminal Law Act, 1977 (as inserted by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, 1994).
» THAT it is an offence under S.12A (8) Criminal Law Act 1977 (as amended) to knowingly make a false statement to obtain a written statement for the purposes of S.12A. A person guilty of such an offence may receive a sentence of up to six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000.
Signed, The Occupiers