Watford Borough Council

With the ever increasing demand for housing, Watford Borough Council aims to bring empty properties back into occupation. This becomes a priority where properties have been left empty for a long period, or are having a detrimental effect on the neighbourhood.

Why empty homes matter

• They can attract pests, rubbish dumping, graffiti, vandalism, squatting, break-ins, arson and anti-social behaviour
• They can reduce the value of neighbouring homes
• 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. The Council has abolished the 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 the owner’s options open, if unsure what to do in the long run. Owners needn’t commit themselves for more than six months. If they’ve no experience of this, using an agent can minimise any risks.

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

The Council can put owners in touch with “short life housing” organisations.   These can make use of properties which are only available short term (e.g. pending demolition);  and which may not be in good enough condition for normal renting.

 How the Council can help

Providing an Empty Homes Assistance loan or grant

Introducing to experienced agents with reduced charges for letting and/or managing rented properties.

Introducing prospective purchasers

Advice on:

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

Arranging advice by an experienced estate agent on the choice between selling or renting.

And if none of this works?

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 or Compulsory Purchase Order, when owners show no serious intention of restoring empty homes to use.

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