Landlords given warning on vacant homes

News Category: Industry News

This article was brought to you by Rentman the premium property management system.

Landlords have been warned that properties vacant for a long period may be forcibly sold.

Haringey Council gave the advice after it auctioned off an empty flat in its borough, the third privately-owned property it has recently sold.

Landlords were told it was unacceptable to leave flats empty and council tax unpaid when thousands of families are living in temporary accommodation.

Cllr John Bevan, Haringey Council cabinet member of housing, said: "Obviously we give landlords every opportunity to prevent enforcement action being taken by offering renovations grants and help with re-letting, but as a last resort we will take action and force sales if necessary."

In Haringey alone, the council has identified 28 more properties to be forcibly sold with a further 15 subject to Compulsory Purchase Orders.

Such orders give local authorities the power to buy properties for a variety of reasons, from installing new roads to bringing vacant homes back into use.

How to stay legally compliant with letting agency software