Enforcement action

Action can be taken against owners of empty properties who have resisted all attempts by the Local Authority to bring their property back into use.

Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 gives Local Authorities the power to acquire buildings and land through compulsory purchase. This allows Compulsory Purchase Orders to be made for the purpose of providing housing accommodation or facilities connected to housing accommodation, for example environmental improvements. However, the Compulsory Purchase Order is an extreme measure and is also a lengthy administrative task so will only be considered when all other alternative options have been exhausted.

The Housing Act 2004 gives local authorities the power to overtake the management of some empty properties.  Empty Dwelling Management Orders can be made against properties that have been empty for more than 6 months, although some properties may be exempt.  An Empty Dwelling Management Order could mean a landlord loses the right to decide how the property is managed and who lives in it.  The only sure way to prevent this from happening is for the owner to bring the property back into use.