The council recognises that empty homes can have a real negative impact for the local community. We have a range of possible solutions for owners of empty homes. However, we need to know where the worst empty homes are located.

Empty homes can cause a nuisance to neighbours, become dangerous if vandalised, and can decrease the value of neighbouring homes. The council has adopted an empty homes strategy (PDF 350KB). We aim to tackle those homes empty the longest and those in worst condition.

If you have an empty property near you, which is giving cause for concern, you can contact the Private Sector Housing Service, on 0300 300 8007. We will normally take a look at the property and will try and contact the owner(s) if they are known. Where owners are not initially known, we will try and find them.

Where empty homes are causing a nuisance or are open to unauthorised entry, there are legal powers to remedy the most urgent problems. These powers will be used if the owner does not remedy the problems identified. Costs incurred by the council can be recovered from owners.

The council will provide advice and information to owners, which could include a report on the condition of the property. In some cases, we can provide loan assistance of up to £15,000 where the property needs remedial work.

The council runs a scheme called Lets Rent which works with a number of local lettings agents to bring properties onto the rental market.

The council also has a partnership agreement with Pathmeads Housing Association. Pathmeads will consider leasing empty homes for letting where agreement can be reached with owners.

Those empty homes that have been empty the longest or are in the worst condition, will be considered for enforcement action. This will happen where the owners have no interest or are not able to bring the properties back into use. There are two main types of enforcement action, both of which have to be approved by Council Members.

Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMO’s) can be used to take over the management of a property. The Council does not gain ownership but have powers to renovate the property and let it out. The property is handed back to the owners after a number of years.

Compulsory Purchase Orders can be used as last resort by the Council to acquire empty homes. CPO’s will be considered for the worst properties where all other options have not worked. CPO’s have to be approved by Government.

If you are the owner of an empty home, or live near to a property that is giving you cause for concern, please contact the Private Sector Housing team on 0300 300 8007