POWERS IN ACTION

This is a property in the Perry Barr area of Birmingham. It was reported by a passer-by in June 2021 at which point it had been empty 6 months following the occupant’s death.

As you can see from the pictures to the left, it was a very neglected property; neighbours reported fly-tipping, an attempted break-in, wasp nests inside the property preventing neighbours using their gardens.

The Empty Homes Officer at BCC worked hard to locate a family member, though this person was not an executor of the deceased’s estate. The EHO then managed to track down the solicitor and advised them of the issues. They advised that enforcement action would be taken due to the various issues.

S215 enforcement commenced June 2021 and in July 2021 UK Property Rescue contacted the Council to confirm that they were instructed to carry out works to comply with notice, clear the property and then market it. 

Renovation works were soon started.

The property was sold in 2022 and then fully refurbished in 2022 / 2023. As of February 2024, the property is let and occupied by a family.