Claiming a derelict Garage

[MontagueFlange]

Behind my flat on common ground there are 8 or 9 garages. Some are in use but about 4 have not been used for years. Some are in a state of total disrepair but one or two are still fixable. I have known these to have been empty for last 8 years, probably longer.

Is there any way I can go and padlock one and make a claim to it and fix it up for use ?

[CleverClogs]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

For use as a holiday home?

(Didn't Mr Flange originally state the garages are in Wales?)

[Sapphire]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

I think that you have to use land for 12 years before it can be claimed as your own, not sure about buildings though. Someone with more knowledge will pop along I am sure.

[CleverClogs]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

I think that you have to use land for 12 years before it can be claimed as your own, not sure about buildings though. Someone with more knowledge will pop along I am sure.

That is true for Adverse Possession but it is - predictably - more complicated (link).

One should also bear in mind that there are few examples of common land on which buildings have been erected. That there are garages on that land does rather suggest that someone already claims to own the land, though one may equally take the view that someone is owned by that land.

[MontagueFlange]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

All the garages seem to be self build. Its a bit of left over ground that can't be used for anything else. Sort of odd shape between to housing areas.

[CleverClogs]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

Nevertheless, that land does belong to someone.

Your first step should be to learn to whom it does belong.

[MontagueFlange]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

OK where would I find that out ?

[CleverClogs]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

OK where would I find that out ?

First look here ---> link

[PlanB]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

Behind my flat on common ground there are 8 or 9 garages. Some are in use but about 4 have not been used for years. Some are in a state of total disrepair but one or two are still fixable. I have known these to have been empty for last 8 years, probably longer.

If you live in a flat it will be a leasehold and there will be a freeholder who will probably own the garages. Why not ask the freeholder to clarify the position first.

It's possible that he is leaving them empty on purpose with the intention of developing the plot (or selling the plot to a developer) at a later stage and he'll need to have vacant possession of the garages to do that.

He may be willing to grant you a licence on one of the garages in the meantime. If you seize one without the freeholder's permission it could be viewed as trespass

[MontagueFlange]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

The ground is nothing to do with the flats I live in. Its behind the fence and a few yards away

[wales01man]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

The land probably is owned by someone try to find out who and if you can buy it before you try to obtain it after all if it was yours would you be happy to see someone steal it???

[CleverClogs]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

The ground is nothing to do with the flats I live in. Its behind the fence and a few yards away

Who owns the fence you would - presumably - have to remove or break down?

Or did the fence just grow there?

[MontagueFlange]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

No the fence is at the back of the housing association property I live in. The ground is behind that between some council houses and a road. The council will take no responsibility for the land. I have found that much out. They will cut the grass on the other side but say they have nothing to do with it. Theres a lot of left over patches of ground around here due t the structure of the hill sides and such

http://goo.gl/maps/RkvEj

[michael]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

There is a Land Registry entry entitled:
Land at Rhydybont
Penparcau
Aberystwyth

which may or may not be the land in question. Copy of the Title register costs £3

[CleverClogs]

Re: Claiming a derelict Garage

Asking the user of the new garage would, of course, be even cheaper.