Private Sector Housing
Empty Homes
Empty homes can be a problem for a number of different
reasons
- Empty homes are a magnet for children who see them as some sort
of adventure playground, not realising how dangerous they can be.
If a property is not kept secure against access, and a person is
injured, the owner is usually held liable.
- Empty homes attract vandalism - windows get broken, pipe work
is ripped out, rubbish is dumped, attracting rodents and vermin,
which will thrive in an empty property.
- Empty homes are a depreciating asset. Once a property starts to
fall into disrepair, it soon loses its value, but becomes more
costly to repair.
- Empty homes have a negative impact on their immediate
surroundings, leading to a loss of confidence in the area and a
lessening in value for the surrounding properties.
Empty homes are also a potential
home and if brought back into use can help reduce the need for
building on green field sites
The Government has now placed a responsibility on Local
Authorities to bring empty homes back into use.
However we aware that there are many more empty homes in the
district which we currently do not know about.
Empty Dwelling Management Orders
Councils have new powers to take over empty homes and let them
out.
No Use Empty
Contact Private Sector Housing
Tel: 01304 872397
E-mail: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk
