Section 265: Demolition orders, Housing Act 1985

If—

the local housing authority are satisfied that a category 1 hazard exists in a dwelling or HMO which is not a flat, and

this subsection is not disapplied by subsection (5),

making a demolition order in respect of the dwelling or HMO is a course of action available to the authority in relation to the hazard for the purposes of section 5 of the Housing Act 2004 (category 1 hazards: general duty to take enforcement action).

If, in the case of any building containing one or more flats—

the local housing authority are satisfied that a category 1 hazard exists in one or more of the flats contained in the building or in any common parts of the building, and

this subsection is not disapplied by subsection (5),

making a demolition order in respect of the building is a course of action available to the authority in relation to the hazard for the purposes of section 5 of the Housing Act 2004.

The local housing authority may make a demolition order in respect of a dwelling or HMO which is not a flat if—

they are satisfied that a category 2 hazard exists in the dwelling or HMO,

this subsection is not disapplied by subsection (5), and

the circumstances of the case are circumstances specified or described in an order made by the Secretary of State.

The local housing authority may make a demolition order in respect of any building containing one or more flats if—

they are satisfied that a category 2 hazard exists in one or more of the flats contained in the building or in any common parts of the building,

this subsection is not disapplied by subsection (5), and

the circumstances of the case are circumstances specified or described in an order made by the Secretary of State.

None of subsections (1) to (4) applies if a management order under Chapter 1 or 2 of Part 4 is in force in relation to the premises concerned.

This section also has effect subject to section 304(1) (no demolition order to be made in respect of listed building).

In this section "HMO" means house in multiple occupation.

An order made under subsection (3) or (4)—

may make different provision for different cases or descriptions of case (including different provision for different areas);

may contain such incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitory, transitional or saving provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate; and

shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

Sections 584A and 584B provide for the payment of compensation where demolition orders are made under this section, and for the repayment of such compensation in certain circumstances.

Section 265: Demolition orders

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