Reporting empty or derelict properties

The Building Control section of your local council is responsible for making sure that reported derelict and insecure buildings are dealt with. Find out how to spot and report an empty or derelict building so that people in the area aren't put in danger by them.

Reporting an empty property

To report a derelict or dangerous property, you should contact the Building Control section of your local council. The council can legally deal with privately owned derelict buildings that have become insecure and open to public access. Please use the link below to access your local council's website:

Local councils in Northern Ireland (contacts section)

Dwellings which have become derelict or buildings attached to dwellings will be referred to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

How to tell if a house has been empty for a long time

Although it’s not always easy to be sure that a house has been empty for a period of time, you can assume the building is empty if:

the property is boarded up or has metal screens over the doors and windows
no-one is ever seen entering or leaving the property
the front and back gardens are overgrown
there is rubbish dumped at the front or back of the property
there are pests and vermin in the neighbouring properties
there is evidence of squatting or illegal activities
the house looks derelict, with broken windows and doors, or holes in the roof

Dangerous structures

Dangerous structures can be at risk of collapsing, especially in certain weather conditions, and they are a hazard to public safety. You can report them to your local council.

What is a dangerous structure?

As buildings get older, their structure can become weaker. Buildings can also become dangerous because of poor maintenance, fire, storms, or explosions.Other faults that can cause a danger include:

loose or falling roof tiles
walls or fences that are in danger of collapsing
unstable chimneys

Reporting a dangerous structure to your council

If you think a building or structure is dangerous, tell your local council. It will investigate your report as soon as a surveyor is available. In most cases the council will contact the owner of the building and tell them to make it safe at their own cost.

Please use the link below to access your local council's website: