Using land or property without permission

Also called encroachment, this is when someone uses or takes over land or property that isn't theirs. It may happen by mistake or on purpose. We keep an eye on this through reports from tenants and people in our communities, as well as through what our teams and contractors see while they're working. 

Reporting encroachment

Your reports help keep our neighbourhoods safe, tidy and welcoming. When issues are spotted early, we can deal with them before they turn into bigger problems such as: 

  • Blocked pathways
  • Unsafe structures
  • Land is being used in the wrong way 

It's also important to report any use of our land as soon as possible. If someone uses land for a long time without us challenging it, they could try to claim legal ownership. This is why even small or accidental encroachment needs to be dealt with quickly.

Report encroachment Encroachment findings

Common types of encroachment

Unauthorised parking or storage

Using our land to park vehicles, caravans, trailers or to store other items without permission.

Fencing and boundary encroachment

Putting up a fence on our land, moving a boundary, or extending a yard or outdoor space without approval.

Using buildings without permission

Going into a room or building when you're not allowed to, which can make the area unsafe. 

Encroachment by businesses

A shop or business using our land for storage, parking, trading or extending onto our land without consent.

Buying land

Sometimes we receive requests to buy small pieces of land we own. We look at each request carefully to make sure any sale is fair and in the best interests of our tenants and communities.

If you apply to buy land, you must cover:
  • The price of the land
  • A contribution towards our solicitor’s fees
  • Your own legal fees
  • Any planning application fees
There’s no cost to send us an initial request. We’ll explain any potential charges once we’ve reviewed your application. If you’d like more information about the process or how to apply, please get in touch.

Please note: Applicants are responsible for checking with all statutory authorities that their proposals for the land are permitted. We will not provide any warranties for land sold. All land is purchased at the applicant’s risk and we reserve the right to decline an application to purchase land.

 

Report encroachment Land Disposal Policy

Applications to purchase land will usually be declined if:

  • The sale of land negatively impacts or prevents regeneration plans
  • The land may be needed for new homes
  • Selling the land would limit development on nearby land
  • The land provides access to other homes we own, would create awkward boundaries, or has utilities that need to stay accessible
  • Keeping the land gives more benefit to the wider area

Land value

A qualified RICS valuer will assess the land based on how you plan to use it. We may also add an overage clause to make sure the land is only used for the purpose agreed.