Empty Homes

Empty homes are a waste of available housing, and can often blight a neighbourhood particularly where they have been left empty for a long period of time. Hertsmere Borough Council is able to tackle these properties and bring them back into use under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

Empty properties can attract pests, rubbish dumping, graffiti, vandalism, squatting, break-ins and arson. As well as the environmental factors, empty properties can cause great concern to neighbouring homes because the value of surrounding properties can deteriorate.

Empty properties represent a wasted resource in the borough and the Government expect the council to encourage empty home owners to make every effort to bring these properties back into use.

The cost of an empty home to its owner

Property deterioration and the increased cost of maintenance;

• Loss of value
• Insurance
• Cost of council tax
• Lost rental income.

 

What are the choices for an empty homeowner?

Refurbishing and renting the property;

• selling it on the open market

 

Can the council help?

Yes, the council can pay for the cost of refurbishments and can rent out and manage the properties. For more information please contact 020 8207 2277 x 2830 or email housing@hertsmere.gov.uk and ask for information on the PLACE refurbishment scheme and the Private Sector Leasing Scheme.

What if the empty homeowner wants to keep the property empty?

The council can take appropriate enforcement action, for example when the property is:

• harbouring vermin;
• causing damp etc to adjoining properties;
• unsecured;
• a severe eyesore;
• structurally unsafe.

  It is unreasonable for homes to stand empty indefinitely. As a last resort the council may make an Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO) or Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) when owners show no serious intention of restoring empty homes and bringing them back into use