However, EDMOs are complex and lengthy, and so far only a few hundred have started. About 20 went as far as the "interim order" stage before owners stepped in and reclaimed properties, and only three have resulted in a final order. "The EDMO legislation has not resulted in thousands of empty properties being seized, as was first anticipated," Mr Ireland says. "But where it has been enforced it has acted as a lever to encourage landlords to take responsibility for the empty properties they own."