Empty Homes
Thousands of empty homes across the UK are proving to be a real blight on the local community as they can cause a nuisance to neighbours, can be a danger if they are vandalised, decrease the value of nearby homes and are a waste of valuable accommodation. Mid Beds DC attempts to trace the owners of empty properties in order to encourage them to bring them back into use. Actions that we may then take to bring these empty homes back into use include the following:
Information and Advice
Once the owner of an empty home has been identified, we will aim is to encourage them to bring the property back into use voluntarily. Mid Beds DC has developed a range of tools that can be used to assist those wishing to bring their properties back into use. The Empty Homes Officer will offer assistance such as advice and information on the range of options available to the owner of an Empty Home. Once the initial support has been provided the Empty Homes Officer will remain in touch with the owner and ensure that the property is successfully brought back into use.
Inspections
All empty homes targeted for action will be inspected externally to establish what condition they are in and whether they cause a nuisance to adjoining properties and neighbours. Further action will be considered based upon the outcome of the inspection. Internal inspections will be carried out with the agreement of the owner.
Grants
The owner of an empty home may be eligible for financial assistance to enable them to bring the property back into use. Home Improvement Grants (HIG’s) of up to £15,000 (or £20,000 in exceptional cases) may be available to the owner of an empty home. The property must have been empty for a minimum of six months and feature on our Empty Homes List. A Landlord HIG is available if properties are to be rented out once brought back into use.
Grant aid is available for works that include:
- Central heating system repairs/replacements/upgrades
- Dampness
- Drainage defects
- Rewiring
- General disrepair
- Providing missing bathroom and kitchen facilities
- Works to remedy serious defects causing Category 1 Hazards under the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Where one or more of the above applies, then grants may be available incertain circumstances for modernising old bathroom or kitchen facilities.
Enforcement
Where the owners of empty properties decline all offers of help and advice on how to bring their property back into effective use we will consider the use of enforcement powers to remedy the situation. It should be noted that the use of enforcement powers alone may not result in the re-occupation of the property, but may help to address any immediate risks posed by the property.
Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMO’s)
EDMO’s comprise of a two-stage approach, Interim and Final Management Orders. Interim Management Order will last up to 12 months and will give Local Authorities most of the management powers previously held by the owner, then the Local Authority can revoke the Interim Management Order and serve a Final Management Order. This can last up to seven years and gives the Local Authority (in partnership with a Housing Association) the power to let out the property and receive rent without the owners consent.
During this time the Local Authority can carry out repairs and renovation works necessary on the property and recover their costs from the rental income. If the Local Authority recovers all of its costs and there is any excess rent, this must be paid to the owner of the property.
Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO)
The Council also has the power to acquire buildings and land through Compulsory Purchase with the aim of providing additional accommodation. The Council is committed to the use of its Compulsory Purchase powers as the last resort only. However, in order to use them there must be strong evidence concerning the circumstances of an unoccupied house, including its condition and effect on neighbouring properties and the local area, the length of time it has been empty and the reluctance of the owner to take any steps to bring the property back into use.
For more information about grants or other actions we may take then please call Customer Services on 08452-304040 or 01462 611 222. Alternatively, you can email Customer.Services@midbeds.gov.uk
Enquiries are received from people who are aware of empty properties in their local community who would like to see these empty properties brought back into use. Some local knowledge may reveal the whereabouts of the owners that will enable us to speak with them on a personal level with the hope of resolving the situation.
If you would like advice as to how to bring your empty home back into use, or would like to report an empty property then please contact us on 08452-304040 or 01462 611 222. Alternatively, you can email Customer.Services@midbeds.gov.uk
* Download Mid Beds DC Empty Homes Strategy (application/pdf; 1132kb)
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