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Leaks from Empty Properties

Submitted by AStarritt on 19 March, 2010 - 12:39

I have received a report  from someone saying there is a burst pipe in the neighbouring eimpty property which could potentially cause problems in the complainants property. 

We can't get hold of the owner as he's registered at the empty address and we don't have any phone number. 

We're not sure what we can do as United Utilities won't deal with domestic leaks and Housing Standards legislation will take too long to deal with the problem.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how we can legitimately deal with this quickly to prevent any/further damage?

thanks

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Leaks from empties

Submitted by JMarr on 22 March, 2010 - 08:19.

Hi,

How about trying Buidling Act 1984 s78 - allowing council to deal with buildings posing an immediate danger?  Or Environmental Protection Act 1990 s78-81.  Abatement of statutory nuisance.  Notice can be served at the registered address of the owner, and when it's not complied with council can carry out Works in Default.  Or for practical direct action, isn't there a stopcock in the street or accessible from a common part which can be turned off meantime?

Leaks

Submitted by AVickers on 22 March, 2010 - 08:31.

I've had loads of these this winter. There are several options;

Stop cock keys are £15 from Screwfix. Find the stop cock in the pavement and turn it off. Make sure its not a single cock for several houses.

Sec "29 of the LG(MP)A 1982 is your bread and butter. It comes with a power of entry to make sure you are not boarding anyone inside. Whilst inside turn off the internal stop cock (and look for clues to trace the owner) Don't bleat that it;'s not insecure; it will be if you look hard enough...

Call your local police officer. A constable's primary function is the "protection of life and property". Protecting the property of the empty and the neighbours comes under this heading. They won't be shy about using a size 10 and finding that insecurity that you failed to find above. You can then carry on as at 2 above.

Swear out a warrant at the magistrates court under Sec 80 EPA 1990 for water penetration to the neighbour's property. Take a locksmith and your boarder upper. Turn off the internal cock. Look for clues as at 2 above.

I think you may need my Practical Powers presentation....

 

Thank you for your help on

Submitted by AStarritt on 22 March, 2010 - 11:05.

Thank you for your help on this, not having had to deal with this problem before it's good to get advice from an expert!  Also would be interested to hear more about your Practical Powers presentation..sounds very useful!

Practical Powers

Submitted by JMarr on 23 March, 2010 - 08:14.

Is that Practical Powers presentation available anywhere?  Sounds as if it could be interesting reading.  And I like the idea of size 10 insecurities.  Very direct. 

Leaks!

Submitted by TCurrums on 24 March, 2010 - 12:13.

Hi,

 

i would like to hear more about your Practical Powers presentation as well

Terri Currums