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Empty council house causing damage to my property
Jhorasangha
Posts: 2 Newbie
I have a house attached to a council house. At the back of the property there are two connected flat roofs. On the side of the empty council house the rainwater is not draining and then leaking through causing damage to the interior of my property.
I have rang the council numerous times just to be told I'm through to the wrong department. Funnily enough nobody wants to take responsibility. I have filled out an online form reporting the property as being empty to no avail.
What should I do next, should I write a letter threatening legal action?
I have rang the council numerous times just to be told I'm through to the wrong department. Funnily enough nobody wants to take responsibility. I have filled out an online form reporting the property as being empty to no avail.
What should I do next, should I write a letter threatening legal action?
0
Comments
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No need to threaten legal action.
Write a letter starting the complaints process0 -
are you sure it is a council house?
empty? in this day and age?0 -
Haha yes, the tenant moved out unexpectedly0
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Which department(s) have you spoken to? Who do they tell you to speak to? What happened when you tried speaking to them?Jhorasangha wrote: »I have rang the council numerous times just to be told I'm through to the wrong department.
Isn't that a form to notify the council of properties in other ownership being empty? I presume they would be aware of a property they own being unoccupied. In any event, it isn't the fact it's empty which is the problem, it's that it needs repaired.I have filled out an online form reporting the property as being empty to no avail.
How have you verified that the house is owned by the council?0 -
Write (yes, WRITE ! keep copy) a calm & polite letter/email following the council complaint process. If not sorted then communicate directly with your councillor(s) and whoever is head of housing committee
In your shoes I'd also spend £3 with land registry and check the deeds: Could have been transferred to someone/something else (eg Housing association) or bought by occupant under "right to buy".
Just because a tenant moves out does not end any tenancy.0 -
You need to know who actually owns and manages the property.
Very few Councils now have large amounts of Council stock, most were transferred to Housing Associations.0 -
check ownership here.
Don't phone - write. Include details of the damage being caused and cost involved.
No need to threaten as yet, wait for a written response.0
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