Open and derelict properties
Health and Safety
Environmental & Health Services Domestic Team have the power to require owners of empty properties to keep them secure and free from rubbish.
| Service ID: | 684 |
|---|---|
| email: | ehadmin@staffordbc.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01785 619402 |
| sms: | 07781 471023 |
| fax: | 01785 619319 |
| complaints: | welcome.asp?id=2505 |
To make an online request for information please click here
I own an empty property, what are my responsibilities?
The property next door to me is open to access and no one lives there. What can I do?
I am interested in purchasing a void property. What can I do?
If you know of any vacant or unsecured houses where owners fail to bring them back into occupation, please contact us with the details.
FAQ
I own an empty property, what are my responsibilities?
Above all else the Council would wish for the property to be used for good and decent accommodation for responsible tenants.
It is recommended that if the property is left empty that you provide any immediate neighbours with your contact details. Any problems can then be reported to you directly to be acted upon.
You should visit the property regularly to ensure the following:- It is secure,
- Any gardens are maintained in a reasonable standard,
- The external appearance of the house is kept in good order, and
- The property is not in a condition so as to cause defects to neighbouring homes. TOP
The property next door to me is open to access and no one lives there. What can I do?
You may live next door to a property, which has damaged doors and windows that are allowing entry to children / youths who are causing noise and damage.
We can serve a legal notice upon the owner of an open building to have the building made secure within 48 hours. If the owner of the building fails to comply with the notice we can carry out the works in default and re-charge the owner. Where it is considered that emergency works are required we will secure the property as soon as is reasonably possible and then re-charge the owner for the cost of works. TOP
You may live next door to a property that has been empty for a period of time and has fallen into disrepair, which is causing damage to your home.
Where we can prove that a problem at your home is being caused by a defect on a neighbouring property there are various legal notices that can be served asking an owner to remedy those defects within a reasonable time period. If a person fails to comply with a notice the Council may then carry out the necessary work and re-charge the owner. An owner can also be prosecuted for failing to comply with a notice. TOP
I am interested in purchasing a void property. What can I do?
You may wish to enquire about the possibility of buying a void property. The Authority might hold the owner's details, and if so, may be able to pass your details onto that person with your request. The Council cannot give you details of the owners of any properties, because such information is subject to data protection. TOP