{"id":811,"date":"2024-11-12T12:33:20","date_gmt":"2024-11-12T12:33:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/?p=811"},"modified":"2025-07-22T10:52:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-22T10:52:33","slug":"securing-buildings-for-public-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clearway.co.uk\/news\/securing-buildings-for-public-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Children Trespassing in Abandoned Buildings: Securing buildings for public safety"},"content":{"rendered":"

Curious children tend to wander onto derelict building sites unaware of the dangers that could face them. In 2017, there were two very sad cases of children dying as a result of playing in buildings that were left unprotected.<\/p>\n

The responsibility for protecting the public against the potential risks of a vacant property lies entirely with the property owner. In fact it\u2019s a requirement of their insurance to protect the vacant property<\/a> against any visitors, be they property inspectors, developers, fly-tippers or squatters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we review why children trespass and who is responsible for securing buildings for public safety.<\/p>\n\n

Children Trespassing in Abandoned Buildings: What Landlords Need to Know<\/h2>\n

Abandoned and empty buildings often attract the curiosity of children and teenagers. From the thrill of exploring a derelict site to the temptation of social media trends like ‘urban exploration’, vacant properties can quickly become magnets for trespassers. For landlords, this presents a significant risk not just to the safety of those involved, but also from a legal and financial standpoint.<\/p>\n

So, what responsibilities do landlords have when it comes to securing their properties? And what steps can you take to prevent unauthorised access?<\/p>\n

Why Do Children Trespass?<\/h2>\n

Children and young people are naturally curious. Abandoned buildings, with their sense of mystery and adventure, often become enticing playgrounds. Social media has only amplified this, with trends encouraging young people to explore and document their visits to off-limits locations. However, these spaces are typically unsafe, with risks including falling debris, sharp objects, unstable floors, and potentially harmful substances like asbestos.<\/p>\n

The Legal Responsibilities of Landlords<\/h2>\n

Under UK law, property owners have a duty of care to protect anyone who might enter their premises \u2014 including trespassers, particularly children. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 states that property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm if:<\/p>\n