The Housing Executive

Last year we regained 31 vacant properties throughout Londonderry for reletting.

We can attribute this success to the support we have received in recent months from neighbours and community representatives who informed the District Office that no one appeared to be living in the properties. Our Neighbourhood Officers also help identify empty properties while carrying out estate duties.

District Manager Avril McAllister said, "In most cases the curtains were pulled, making it hard to see if anyone was at home.  As soon as we have evidence that a property is not being lived in we serve an Abandonment Notice which gives the tenant four weeks to contact us to confirm that they are still living there.  We do some other checks in the meantime and after four weeks we can take the property back into stock for reletting.

"We have a growing demand for housing and it is disappointing that some people are abusing social housing in this way and are also committing benefit fraud.  I am pleased that these ten homes have been let to people in housing stress who genuinely need a home.

"I would encourage everyone to be vigilant and if they suspect a Housing Executive property is not being lived in to contact the District Office.  Sometimes there are genuine reasons for houses being empty but we can check this out with the tenants and take action if necessary.”