Statutory Powers for Buildings at Risk

While there is no specific duty on owners to keep their buildings in a good state of repair it will normally be in their interests to do so. The Department has statutory powers to take action where an historic building has deteriorated to the extent that its preservation may be at risk (see below). In practice the Department will normally try to enter into dialogue with the listed building owner in an attempt to find a way to rectify the situation before resorting to legal action.