Requisitioning of vacant buildings

The competent authority may, for a public purpose, by order in writing served on the landlord, requisition— (1) a building newly constructed which has not been occupied; (2) a building reconstructed which has not been occupied, subsequent to such reconstruction; or (3) a building which is, or becomes vacant by the landlord or the tenant ceasing to occupy it or otherwise. ExplanationI.— A building may be requisitioned under this section notwithstanding that it is subject to an agreement of lease. Explanation II.— A building that is not in continuous use for a residential or non-residential purpose shall be deemed to be vacant or unoccupied notwithstanding that it is kept locked or is subject to casual, inconsequential or temporary use for storage of goods or for the stay of persons. Explanation III.— Nothing contained in this section or in section 4 shall be deemed to authorise the requisitioning of any building used exclusively for purposes of religious worship.

1. (1) a building newly constructed which has not been occupied;
2. (2) a building reconstructed which has not been occupied, subsequent to such reconstruction; or
3. (3) a building which is, or becomes vacant by the landlord or the tenant ceasing to occupy it or otherwise. ExplanationI.— A building may be requisitioned under this section notwithstanding that it is subject to an agreement of lease. Explanation II.— A building that is not in continuous use for a residential or non-residential purpose shall be deemed to be vacant or unoccupied notwithstanding that it is kept locked or is subject to casual, inconsequential or temporary use for storage of goods or for the stay of persons. Explanation III.— Nothing contained in this section or in section 4 shall be deemed to authorise the requisitioning of any building used exclusively for purposes of religious worship.