What problems do unoccupied properties pose?
There are various reasons why unoccupied properties are a serious risk. The fire brigade attend approximately 9,000 fires in vacant properties each year and it is estimated that losses from unoccupied properties total in excess of £100 million every year. Equally as serious as the risk of damage to the property, is the risk of injury to people. The Occupiers Liability Act 1957 makes the owner of the vacant property potentially legally liable for death or injury to visitors or trespassers to the property. According to the Act, owners owe a duty of reasonable care to ensure the premises are and remain well secured, particularly in preventing access by children.
