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 then 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 Housing Renewal Team.
You may qualify for financial assistance to help with repairs to an empty property.
Grants and Financial Assistance
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 Housing Renewal Section.
Bringing empty properties back into use can help to reduce homelessness.
What can we do?
The Housing Renewal 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.
We can place an Empty Dwelling Management Order (April 2006) on the property to ensure the property is returned to residential use.
In extreme circumstances we can apply for a Compulsory Purchase and Demolition Order for properties which have been empty for 6 months or more. Often properties are in such a bad condition that it is not possible to repair them. Compulsory Purchase and Demolition Orders allow us to buy an empty property and demolish it if this is considered the best course of action.
Landlords and Tenants Private Sector Housing Renewal Strategy - pdf document