Empty Properties

Empty properties can be unsightly and cause a health and safety risk.  Properties which are left unattended and are not checked regularly can soon fall into disrepair and improvements can become too expensive to carry out.  

These run down properties cause nuisance and annoyance to nearby residents.  They can devalue other house prices in the area and can attract vandalism and anti-social behaviour, especially if they become unsecure.

What can you do?

If you own a property which is empty and you need advice contact the Private Sector Housing Team.

If you know of a property near to you which is empty and falling into disrepair or if an empty property is causing you nuisance then please report it to us.

If you have a complaint about an empty property or if you own an empty property and would like advice on how to bring the property back into use contact the Private Sector Housing Team on emptyhomes@darlington.gov.uk or 01325 388370

Bringing empty properties back into use can help to reduce homelessness.

What can we do?

The Private Sector Housing Team can give advice and assistance, we can contact owner-occupiers or letting agents/landlords of properties and assist them in bringing the houses back to a good standard and make them more attractive to potential occupiers.

We can also secure empty properties which are open for access and are causing nuisance and annoyance to nearby residents.

My Property is Often Left Empty

If your property is only lived in occasionally - perhaps because you live elsewhere at other times - you need to make arrangements for it to be secure and well maintained during your absences.  You can take measures which will  prevent your property falling into disrepair.

What Can I Do?

  • Arrange for the gardens to be maintained to a minimum standard.
  • Create the appearance that it is occupied (for example, hang curtains)
  • Have repairs and damage that may have occurred dealt with promptly.
  • Have someone check on the property regularly
  • Leave a telephone number with a neighbour for emergencies.
  • Arrange adequate insurance

Property Investor Scheme

If you are trying to sell your empty property or would like to register as a buyer of empty properties, we would like to hear from you. Please email: emptyproperties@darlington.gov.uk or call 01325 388370