Empty Home Inspection

When a property is left vacant, it is frequently required to be inspected regularly in order to meet the terms of insurance policies. If a property has been vacant for more than 28 days, insurance companies frequently impose restrictions on its coverage.

In addition vacant properties become a target for anti-social and criminal behaviour.

We are aware that a number of empty home landlords are not local and find it difficult to visit and attend to issues reported.

Our range of empty homes surveying services range from a basic inspection of a 'one off' assessment to regular inspections to full house refurbishment using local contractors.

We can also help liasing with local authorities and any enforcement or notices served on the owner.Under sections 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984, authorities can require the owner to make the property safe or enable the authority to take emergency action to make the building safe.

Under Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004, using the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System, authorities can evaluate the potential risks to health and safety arising from deficiencies within properties and take appropriate enforcement action. Environmental health officers do not generally take enforcement action against owner occupiers.

Unsecured properties at risk of vandalism, arson or similar

​Section 78 of the Building Act 1984 allows an authority to fence off the property.

Under section 29 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982​, an authority can require the owner to take steps to secure a property or allow the authority to board it up in an emergency.

Under section 35 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 an authority can require an owner to address obstructed private sewers.

Section 59 of the Building Act 1984 can be used to require the owner to address blocked or defective drainage.

Section 17 of the Public Health Act 1961 can be used to require the owner to address defective drainage or private sewers.​

Presence of vermin or risk of attracting vermin that is detrimental to health

Owners can be required to remove waste so that vermin is not attracted to the site under: Section 34 of the Public Health Act 1961; Section 4 of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act; section 83 of the Public Health Act 1936; section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990; and section 76 of the Building Act 1984.​

Unsightly land and property affecting the amenity of the area

Section 34 of the Public Health Act 1961 can be used to require the owner to remove waste from the area.

Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 can be used to require the owner to take steps to address a property adversely affecting the amenity of an area through its disrepair. The Government published Best Practice Guidance on Section 215 (PDF 509 KB) in January 2005.

Section 79 of the Building Act 1984 can be used to require the owner to address unsightly land or the external appearance of a property.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation.