Empty Properties
Nuisance
If an empty residential property is open to access and people are getting in and causing a nuisance or putting themselves at risk then the Council can arrange for the property to be secured. If the property is causing a statutory nuisance then the Council can serve a Notice on the owner requiring them to rectify the situation.
If defects to an empty property, outbuildings or perimeters are causing a nuisance eg a leaking roof where the water gets in through a hole on one property and emerges in a neighbouring property, the Council can investigate and take action.
If you think either of these things is happening at a particular property please call the Housing Standards Team to discuss the situation, telephone (01283) 508680.
If the hedge at an empty home is obstructing the pavement or road you can report this to Staffordshire County Council's Highways Team on 0300 111 8000 or here.
If overgrown gardens are causing other sorts of nuisance the Council’s Planning Enforcement Team may be able to investigate and possibly take action. Call (01283) 508731.
Do you own an empty home?
Leaving a property empty puts it at risk of vandalism and arson, and even without these problems an empty property is likely to deteriorate and reduce in value, thereby putting your investment at risk. Here are some other good reasons for not leaving your property empty:
- A tenant would pay you rent
- A tenant would pay the council tax and other bills
- Renting out need not take your time – you could use a letting agent to find you suitable tenants and/or a managing agent to take responsibility for maintenance and rental issues
- You could sell or auction the property and release the equity
- The VAT is reduced to just 5% on the costs of refurbishing or converting some empty homes
- You may be able to claim 100% Capital Allowance if you convert a flat over a shop to residential accommodation
To discuss the market for housing and bringing an empty home back into use please contact Housing Strategy on (01283) 508149.
Strategy
Bringing empty homes back into use is an issue the Council would like to address if and when funding can be obtained. The Council will support Housing Associations which seek Government funding for this purpose. If the Council obtains commuted sums from housing developers in lieu of on-site affordable housing it may use some of this funding to bring empty homes back into use as rented housing to meet identified need.