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Article Synopsis
In this article we look at why house clearances need to be completed at short notice, or as quickly as possible. The reasons can be legal, financial, or for health and safety reasons.
You can also read about the services offered by ASAP Clearances, a professional clearance company who are based in North London.
This article is a three-minute read.
While some house clearances can be relatively leisurely, well-planned affairs, some need to be completed at very short notice. Here ASAP Clearances explain why.
House Clearance Services in North London from ASAP Clearances
At ASAP Clearances, we offer fast, efficient house clearances in North London and Hertfordshire. We can also offer block management and commercial waste clearing services.
Tenancy Issues
Landlords often need urgent clearances when tenants leave behind significant amounts of junk or furniture. A speedy service will allow you to re-let the property faster. And sometime a tenant will vacate the property suddenly and without notice, leaving belongings behind. In such case, immediate action may be needed to secure the property.
Legal and Financial Imperatives
House sales can be completed very quickly, leaving owners with only a few days to vacate their current property. Clearances allow you to move on time without affecting any elements of a property chain. They are also particularly useful if you are downsizing from a larger property into a smaller one and won’t have space in your new home anyway.
When a loved one passes away, the property often needs to be cleared quickly to comply with probate regulations.
Health and Safety Concerns
Some house clearances are required because the occupant has been hoarding items. While some of these may be relatively harmless – such as books, newspapers and personal invoices – others may involve perishable items such as food in the fridge or larder which is well past its 'sell by' or 'best before' date. These will need removing as soon as possible before they pose an even bigger health hazard.
Hoarding isn't just about keeping unnecessary items. Hoarders are often unable to dispose of waste, so that bins overflow and rubbish is strewn across their home. This is a serious health hazard, as every surface becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and dangerous pests like rats.
Renovation and Maintenance
Before major renovations, homeowners may need a "blank canvas" to operate in. A short-notice clearance may be necessary to remove old fixtures and debris so any contractors can start on time, preventing construction delays.
And occasionally, hoarding situations can mean the person living in a property doesn’t have the capacity to recognise there may be long-term structural issues which need fixing, as well as items which need removing. Properties that are structurally unsafe or unhygienic need urgent clearing to prevent further damage or injury.
It Can Involve the Garden as Well
Sometimes you may need an emergency garden clearance. Storms and high winds can compromise the structural integrity of parts of your garden (such as sheds or fences). Trees and large shrubs can also be damaged so severely that they may need to be cut down completely as soon as possible – branches may overhang your property or any road outside.
House and Garden Clearance Services in Hampstead from ASAP Clearances
At ASAP Clearances we can clear out your garden as well as your home (or block of flats which you may be responsible for). As our name implies, we will do this as quickly as possible, all without compromising on our level of service. Some of our clearances can be carried out within 24 hours.
You can rely on us to clear out your home (or garden) with plenty of attention to detail. Whatever the circumstances – whether it’s a probate or hoarding situation, or relates to a house or tenant move - we will always be sympathetic to your personal circumstances.
We operate in Hampstead, Highgate, Muswell Hill, Potters Bar and many other areas of North London and Hertfordshire.
To get in touch, follow this link and complete the online form, or call us today on 020 3475 0508.
FAQS:
Q: Can ASAP Clearances recycle any items from a clearance?
A: Yes, we always donate as much as possible to individuals or charities. This ensures as little as possible goes to landfill. However, there will be exceptions, such as hazardous or perishable items.
Q: Are there any legal consequences if you don't clear out a property which has a pest infestation such as mice or rats?
A: If your local council becomes aware of an infestation, they can serve a legal notice requiring you to eradicate the pests and "proof" the building (block entry points) within a set timeframe. If you fail to comply, it is a criminal offence. The council can also enter the property, carry out the work themselves, and send you the bill (known as "works in default"). This is all part of the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act of 1949.
Q: What about if a property is structurally unsound?
A: If a property is structurally unsound to the point of being a "dangerous structure," the local authority can take emergency action; that is, they are empowered to carry out emergency repairs or demolition and charge you for the costs.
The alternative is a Magistrates' Court Order, where the danger is not immediate, but still significant. Your council can apply for a court order requiring you to make the property safe or demolish it. Failure to comply with a court order is a serious legal matter.
All of this is covered in the Building Act 1984, covering Dangerous Structures.