Where negotiations with the owner of an empty property have been fully exhausted the council can turn, as a last resort, to a range of enforcement powers to make sure the property is returned to use.
Empty Dwelling Management Orders
Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) can be made on dwellings that have been empty for at least six months.
- An interim EDMO is made with the consent of the owner and lasts for only 12 months
- A final EDMO follows on and can be made with or without the owner's consent, normally for a period of seven years
Both allow the council to ensure that the dwelling becomes and remains occupied and that appropriate management arrangements are in place. Any management and/or refurbishment costs are covered by the rental income and the balance, if any, is paid to the owner.
Enforced Sale Procedure
Enforced sale procedures can be used when a debt owed to the local authority has been secured against an empty property.
The sale has the combined benefit of recovering the debt and returning the property to use. The council does not acquire the property. It is sold to a third party to clear the outstanding charges against it and the owner receives the balance of the selling price.
Compulsory Purchase Orders
Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) served on empty properties may be justified where there appears to be no other chance of a suitable property being used as a home.
