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How abandoned houses can be seized
Benedict Moore-Bridger and Nicholas Cecil25.06.09
Under a law brought in by John Prescott in 2004, local authorities have the power to seize empty homes and install council tenants.
Empty Dwelling Management Orders were brought in save abandoned properties from being squatted or vandalised. When an empty property is reported to a council, a land registry search and council tax search is carried out to identify the owner.
Letters are sent out urging the owner to contact the council. After six months, if there has been no response and the property is unoccupied and in a poor state, a final letter is sent out giving seven days' notice.
A council can then apply to an independent property tribunal to enter the property, refurbish it and install tenants as it wishes. Rents are set by the council and passed on to the owner with a deduction for costs. The order can last for as long as seven years.
Reader views (2)
Leonard, anyone leaving their mail unattended in an empty property for six months is an idiot! Someone breaks in, gets everything they need to steal your identity, and empties your bank accounts. Or worse.
A sane person would arrange mail redirection to a trusted person who can open and read it and contact you if necessary. Also arrange for a trusted person to check the property for break-ins, storm damage etc. at weekly-ish intervals. An insurance copany is likely to insist on some arrangement like this. With no special arrangement, normal domestic insurance lapses after 30 (sometimes 60) days away from home.
- Nigel, London
So retired people who live the lifestyle of a migrating bird - spending the winter overseas - may come back and find that their home has been siezed by over-officious council workers.
Obviously, these people will not receive the letters as they only live at the address for 6 months of the year and hence will not be able to stop the process once it starts
- Leonard, England
