miscellaneous

We are currently dealing with a derelict property that is subject to a boarding up notice.  It is located in the centre of one of the main regeneration areas and while we seek to undertake long term enforcement action to bring the property back into use, we are keen to minimise the impact of the "eye sore" in the interim period. 

One idea is to use artwork to decorate the boarding.

Given current relations with the owners I suspect they will not interested in a voluntary art scheme and it is likely that the building will be boarded by the Council through work in default.  

Hi everyone,

I am trying to learn more about the rules and regulations relating to Probate (I know I am sad). I just need to learn more abouts the ins & outs, how do I check if a property is subject to Probate, if it has been subject to Probate for a long time, is there anything that can be done about it, etc.

Thanks

Terri

Hi

The subject of brokerage schemes came up at yesterdays meeting of the North Wales Empty Homes Officers.  As often happens the officers will get enquiries about empty properties from interested parties, either interested in renting or buying, also they may get enquiries from owners of empty properties who want to rent out, sell etc and were concerned about  matching up these people with out being seen as having a letting/estate agent role.  Has any one been involved in any kind of brokerage scheme and if so, please can you share your secret...many thanks

Fiona

Shelter Cymru Empty Homes Officer

Hello

We are designing leaflets and information packs and I am looking for a solution to how best to get a picture of a delapidated empty.

The graphics data base used here has limited appropiate images.

Google images are of too poor quality or in the wrong format.

Also I am reluctant to use one taken from the street locally as at this early stage I don't think appropite enough relationships have been built with owners, and I don't want everyone who sees the image to be able to readliy identify the property locally.

how did other do this?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks

I have received a report  from someone saying there is a burst pipe in the neighbouring eimpty property which could potentially cause problems in the complainants property. 

We can't get hold of the owner as he's registered at the empty address and we don't have any phone number. 

We're not sure what we can do as United Utilities won't deal with domestic leaks and Housing Standards legislation will take too long to deal with the problem.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how we can legitimately deal with this quickly to prevent any/further damage?

thanks

Hi

I work for Derby City Council's Empty Homes Service, and we are currently reviewing our procedures with regards to contacting empty property owners.

I was wondering if anyone is writing to mortgage providers of landlords who own empty properties? The aim would be to contact the mortgage providers, and make them aware that their mortgage holder is in breach of mortgage conditions - by leaving the property empty for a significant amount of time.  It would be interesting to see any letters drafted for this purpose. If you do have any that you are using currenty, I would be grateful if you could email me a copy at:

Samragi.Madden@derby.gov.uk.

Regards

Hello

During discussion at a Landlords forum it was mentioned that their insurance would not cover them if they had no control over the tennants. e.g. if the Council placed people in the property through nomination rights from a grant or loan scheme.

Has anyone who has set up a financial assitsance scheme run into any similar issues?

Thank you

Hello, does anyone know under what act or legislation an empty homes officer can enter vacant properties without a warrant or prior written consent from the owners.

Env health seem to be able to do this under section 108 of the Environment Act, however this seems more related to pollution and I'm not sure it is entirly relevent, there are also powers under the prevention of pests act, but again I am sceptical of its relevence.

Does anyone currently have this power, and if so where did you aquire it.

Thank you for your help

Luke Taylor

Hello.

I am trying to build an options appraisal of all the tools available for brining empty homes back into use. I was wondering about certian tools:

Grants - how much and what conditions have produced the best results?

Loans - The same, what differences in conditions and amounts?

Private Sector Leasing Schemes - have these been feasible and useful for councils and owners?

Choice based letting - does this work with the checks and decent homes standards needed?

Hi, I'm considering fixing notices to a couple of empty properties where the whereabouts of the owner is unknown, asking for anyone with any information about the owner to contact me. I am a little concerned however that this is advertising the fact that the property is unoccupied and what if it led to burglary, vandalism or squatting...?

I would be interested to know whether other empty property officers fix notices to empties asking for info, and what success and/or issues this has produced.

Any info would be gratefully received.