Open and Derelict Properties

Why are houses left empty?

Private sector houses may be left empty for a number of years, despite the benefits of that property being occupied. Reasons for a property being empty include:

• the owner in hospital, in residential care or in prison
• the owner has died and there is a subsequent dispute over ownership
• the owner has died and the next-of-kin cannot be traced.
• the house has been repossessed
• the owner is unable to pay to repair the property because of financial difficulties
• the owner wants to leave the property to his/her children to deal with after they have died.

How can I tell if a house has been empty for a long time?

Although it cannot always be easy to say for certain that a house has been empty for a period of time, assumptions can be made in circumstances where:

• the property is boarded up or has metal screens over the doors and windows
• no-one is ever seen entering or leaving the property
• overgrown front and back gardens
• rubbish dumped in the front or back of the property
• pests and vermin in the neighbouring properties
• evidence of squatting or illegal activities
• visual appearance of the house, e.g. holes in the roof, broken windows and doors.

What do I do if I suspect that a house is empty?

Contact the empty property service on 020 7926 0378 if you suspect that a privately owned property has been left unoccupied.

If you are aware of a council owned home which has been empty for a period of time, please contact the relevant area housing office.