can property be boarded up?

[js995]

can a local authrity come along and board up a property? my friend has been ou of the country and i have been looking after his council flat. i have been paying the rent ontime but the council did an audit and he isnt contactable. can the council seize the property or do they need to issue notices get court orders etc?

[Barmaid]

They would need to get a possession order if he is a secure tenant on the basis that it is not his only or principal home or that he is not intending to return. However, they can board it up if it appears that it is not lived in. Your friend should have informed the council if he was going to be away from his home for 3 weeks or more.

[redcrx]

was he subletting to you, ie were you staying there and paying the rent yourself?
how long had he been away for?