It’s the kind of situation that tests patience, reason, and even faith in the law. A homeowner discovers that squatters, who have taken over her property, have gone on holiday. The door is finally open, the house empty, and the temptation to reclaim what’s rightfully hers feels impossible to resist. Yet, as this story from southern France reminds us, what seems like common sense can turn into a legal nightmare.
When squatters turn a home into a battleground
For most homeowners, discovering strangers living in their property is the stuff of nightmares. The bills keep coming, but the front door is locked to them. Every day outside their own home feels like a slow bleed—emotionally, financially, and mentally.
That’s exactly what happened to Maria, a property owner in Carcassonne. After months of battling paperwork and waiting for the courts, she reached breaking point. When the squatters went on vacation, she saw her chance. She entered her house, moved some of their belongings aside, and thought, for a brief moment, that the ordeal was over.
But what she didn’t realise was that her act of desperation would soon turn against her. Under French law, re-entering an occupied property without a formal eviction order is considered illegal eviction, even if you’re the rightful owner. Maria’s “solution” could now cost her thousands of euros—and even her freedom.
A law that prioritises procedure
As unfair as it may sound, the law is very clear: no one can take justice into their own hands, not even property owners. Since the anti-squatting law passed in 2023, rules around eviction have become even stricter, aiming to prevent violent or arbitrary removals.
The correct process starts with an official report from the police or gendarmerie confirming the illegal occupation. From there, the owner must gather proof of ownership, utility bills, and any correspondence that supports their claim. Only then can a court be petitioned for an eviction order, allowing a bailiff—often with police support—to carry it out.
The process can feel painfully slow, but it provides a legal shield for the owner. As housing lawyer Maître Élodie Renaud explains, “Every shortcut taken in frustration can become a costly mistake later. The law values due process above impulse.”
Why the law still protects the occupants
It may sound absurd, but the law’s logic is rooted in protecting human rights—specifically, the right to housing and the prevention of abuse. In practice, this means that even illegal occupants cannot be forcibly removed without a judge’s decision. It’s a system designed to prevent landlords or owners from taking justice into their own hands, though it often leaves those same owners feeling powerless.
In Maria’s case, her unauthorised re-entry into her home could now lead to severe penalties: up to seven years in prison and fines reaching €100,000. The law makes no exceptions for frustration or financial hardship.
As property law expert Jean-Pierre Durand notes, “The justice system doesn’t ignore the suffering of owners, but it insists that order cannot be restored through chaos. Impatience is not a defence—it’s a legal risk.”
The safe route back to ownership
The lesson from cases like this is sobering but clear: patience and documentation are a homeowner’s best allies. The right path involves filing reports, gathering evidence, and letting the legal process run its course, however slow it feels. Engaging a bailiff or legal advisor early can also prevent costly missteps.
Every stage—recording the occupation, alerting authorities, building a case, securing a court order—is there to ensure that when the property is finally reclaimed, it’s done securely and permanently.
Justice over haste
Maria’s story isn’t unique, but it is a warning. Acting in anger can undo months of effort and worsen an already painful ordeal. The road through official channels may seem endless, but it’s the only one that guarantees lasting peace of mind—and keeps owners on the right side of the law.
As the saying goes: better a slow justice than a fast mistake. In matters of property and patience, that’s advice worth taking to heart.
