Empty Property over 2 years now

sarah_id1

My neighbour mid terrace property (in London) is empty for more than 2 years now. Have seen the owner twice so far and she just doesn't seems keen to sell nor is bothered about it. The condition of the property is deteriorating and I am worried this may start spreading into my property with other risks like squatters etc.

Is there anything as a neighbour I can do to get that property occupied.

anselld

Report it to the Council for starters.

00ec25

if they are your neighbour as in right next door and yet you do not know what they have been doing for the last 2 years then it suggests you'd be better off continuing to mind your own business

Amber_Sunshine

I'd be enjoying the peace from having no neighbours on that side.

G_M

If you are concerned about, for example, penetrating damp through a party wall, or roof leaks from a shared valley, then step one is to write a letter expressing your concerns.

Or before that even, discussing it face to face if/when you see her.

If it is a general concern about it being empty:

https://forms.preston.gov.uk/ShowForm.asp?fm_fid=93

http://www.emptyhomes.com/what-you-can-do-2/resources/local-authority-powers/

http://www.local.gov.uk/c/document_library/get_file?uuid=5416e10f-218a-4994-811f-0e96ce93227c&groupId=10180

[Deleted User]

Find out if your council has an Empty Homes Officer. This is exactly the situation they are used to dealing with.., making sure empty homes are not left to fall into the ground, and if possible encourage an owner to sell or rent the property. If the property is really deteriorating, they can do a forced purchase.

There was a TV programnme about this (Great British Property Scandal). You can download an app to put on your phone that you can use to report the house if you don't wish to call the council. See http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-british-property-scandal/articles/all/download-the-app

sarah_id1

Haven't seen her from ages as she rarely visits her property. I am going to report it to the council.

sarah_id1

I haven't yet had time to report it to the council, but got hold of this neighbour after a nearly a year. Rain and wind in last few month damaged her side of fence. Her garden is a mess with attraction for mice etc.

I asked her if she can fix her Fence she replied "I don't have any money". I have already fix my side of fence and don't want to pay for her side as well.

G_M

She is under no obligation to maintain the fence unless there is a covenant requiring her to.

AdrianC

sarah_id1 wrote: »

I asked her if she can fix her Fence she replied "I don't have any money".

She could always sell the flamin' house, then...?

thesaint

AdrianC wrote: »

She could always sell the flamin' house, then...?

Why should she?