Lewisham enforces new powers to "occupy" homes
| Published: 24th November 2007 14:36 |
LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
PR397
23 November 2007
Lewisham Council is using new powers to force private property owners to bring empty properties back into use if left vacant for six months or more.The Empty Dwellings Management Order (EDMO) was introduced as part of the 2004 Housing Act, and means that Lewisham Council is now able to compel private owners to bring their property back into occupation or face losing control of it. If the owner refuses to act, the local authority has the power to take over the property and rent it out for social housing.
Lewisham Council has for a long time been concerned about the number of homes left to stand empty in the borough, and especially those falling into a state of disrepair. It has now gained two successful interim EDMO's, with a further four currently being considered.
The first property in Lewisham - and the first in London - to be the subject of an Empty Dwellings Management Order was in Forest Hill, which had stood empty for more than 10 years. The owner has since sold the property but the interim order remains on the property. The new owners have a year to bring the property back into use.
The second house to receive an EDMO in Lewisham is a 1930's semi-detached house in Catford, which was in desperate need of renovation. The owners have now entered into an agreement with Hyde Housing and once building work on the property is completed next year it will be offered as a family home to rent by the housing association.
Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: "These new powers mean that in Lewisham we can finally do something about the number of empty homes that are falling into disrepair. If an owner doesn't make good on a property, to make it habitable, then we have the power to bring it back into use.
"Lewisham is exercising it's right to ensure that empty homes are made habitable and used, and we will continue to take action. At a time when housing is at a shortage it is vital that we do as much as possible. "
The orders, granted by the Residential Property Tribunal Service, mean owners must now carry out restorative work or risk losing their property. In reaching it's decision, the Residential Property Tribunal Service weighs up the interests of the owners and the benefit renting it out would bring.
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