neighbour's house in disrepair

[Hgrove]

A friend of mine lives in a privately owned semi, however the neighbouring (attached) house belongs to the local authority (greater london). The last council tenants left three years ago leaving the house in a terrible state (toilets/basin/kitchen ripped off wall etc). Since then the local authority has done very little to the house which is slowly becoming damp and overgrown, and no new tenants have been moved in. (I have heard that our local authority has a large number of empty properties in disrepair). What can my friend do? This house as well as an eyesore is becoming a hazard (as well as damaging the value of other houses in the street). Thank you for any replies!

[boxtops]

Report it to your local Environmental Health at the Council, see what they say.

[Jan1957]

Call the Environmental Health and tell them that there are rats next door and they are coming into their property. I did this and they were out the next day. It's not much but they do take it seriously and will check the property which may at least make them look at the property.

[LoftyLottie]

I would suggest that all the neighbours write to the council concerned expressing their concern. The council would be liable if the house concerned causes damage to other properties. The trouble is that councils are strapped for cash.

[Buenchico]

When a property is in a state which is either dangerous or 'seriously detrimental to the amenity of the neighbourhood' an order can be made requiring the repair or restoration of the property. However, from your friend's point of view, there's one big problem. The power to make such an order lies with the local authority.

In practice, legal remedies probably aren't going to help your friend. He needs to seek the support of his local councillor or, if that doesn't work, to get the local press involved.

Chris

[cassa333]

Offer to buy it for next to nothing!