Watford Borough Council

Why empty homes matter

They are disproportionately likely to be in disrepair.

They can attract pests, rubbish dumping, graffiti, vandalism, squatting, break-ins, arson and anti-social behaviour.

They can reduce the value of neighbouring homes by up to 18% (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors calculation).

They worsen Watford’s acute housing shortage.

The Government expects Councils to encourage the reuse of empty homes.


The cost of an empty home to its owner

Property deterioration

Insurance dearer or impossible

Council Tax. (The main exemptions are time limited. This Council gives no discount on unfurnished empty homes.)

Missing out on the potential income from renting or selling it



Owners’ choices for getting an empty home occupied

Living there

Selling it

Renting it out


Renting out an empty home

This leaves your options open, if you’re unsure what to do in the long run. You needn’t commit yourself for more than six months. If you have no experience of this, using an agent can minimise any risks.

Alternatively you can let the property to one of the Council’s non-profit making partners. That way you could forget about the property, while enjoying a guaranteed rent.

The Council provides a regular free newsletter and informative meetings for landlords; and can give you more information about renting.


How the Council can help

Financially:
 Providing an Empty Homes Assistance loan or grant when appropriate.
 Refurbishing property at no cost to owner, in return for owner leasing property for three years rent-free.

Introducing:
 experienced agents with reduced charges for letting and/or managing rented properties
 prospective purchasers
 non-profit making partners to lease the property.

Advice on:
 Renting (including choosing an agent)
 Short term housing use
 Sale
 Repairs
 VAT and income tax concessions on repairs/improvements.


And if none of this works?

The Council can take appropriate enforcement action, for example when the property is:
 harbouring vermin
 attracting rubbish dumping
 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 or Compulsory Purchase Order, if owners show no intention of restoring empty homes to use.


Please contact the Council to report empty homes, or discuss getting them back to use.