Council Empty Property Team Taking Pictures Through Windows

[CODEIGNITER]

Hi Guys,

Just looking for some clarification, I bought a property at the end of last year, since we took possession we've been renovating before we move in. I can't remember exactly but either the very end of last year or maybe the beginning of this year I got a letter from the empty property team of the local council. The letter was a massive questionnaire asking all sorts of questions about my intentions for the property how long things would take etc. Other people might disagree, but for me this was irritating, I'd only owned the property a couple of months, I'm paying the council tax and what I do with the property within reason is my business. I could understand if it had been sat empty for years but we're talking a few months. Anyway I refused to waste my time filling in the questionnaire and as the council has no authority to do anything unless the property has been empty for a prolonged period it makes no odds to me.

Today a chap from the council turned up and started wandering around my property taking pictures through my windows, I'm just wondering if this is allowed? Do the council empty property team have special powers to start taking pictures through my windows?

Obviously this isn't a big deal, I'm just irritated by the council sticking it's nose in my affairs because I had the audacity to want to tidy things up and fit a new kitchen and bathroom before I move in.

Thanks

[echat11]

Hi Codeigniter

I would write to them politely, explaining it's a newly purchased property and as such doesn't fall in the remit of the Empty Homes Team. If there are further communications or visits you are 'minded' to lodge formal complaints which you don't want to do, but will do it necessary.