Hounslow made history last week as the first London council to use new legislation that allows authorities to turn run-down houses into habitable homes.

Empty dwelling management orders (EDMO) gives councils the power to secure properties that have been left derelict for four years and transfer them back into use.

An EDMO for a property in Sunningdale Avenue, Hanworth, was granted to Hounslow Council on July 19. It gives the council the right to do anything to the property that its legal owner could.

Several attempts were made to contact the owners after it was first reported as empty in 2003. After years of investigations and no reponses from the owners, proceedings to seek an interim EDMO began.

A series of works will now be carried out to make the property habitable again for people in need.

Councillor Mark Bowen, deputy leader of Hounslow Council and lead member for strategic housing, said: "I am delighted that Hounslow is leading London in capitalising on these new powers to bring this derelict building back into use.

"Empty properties are a blight on the streetscape and encourage trouble. In addition, they are a wasted opportunity, especially as so many people need accommodation.

"This order represents a wonderful opportunity to transform this property and bring it back into use for the community.

"Hounslow Council is determined to use its EDMO powers and bring empty properties back into use wherever possible, and we will be looking to take similar action with a number of other properties in the borough."

Empty houses encourage antisocial behaviour and are vulnerable to break-ins by squatters, vandals, drug dealers and arsonists.

Under the Housing Act 2004, which came into force in April 2006, councils can secure properties that have been empty for six months or more by applying for an EDMO.

Evidence must be submitted to the Residential Property Tribunal showing there is no prospect for the dwelling to become occupied.

There are more than half a million privately owned empty residential properties in England and half have been out of use for longer than six months. There are about 15,400 empty homes in west London that have been empty for more than six months.