Problems that empty homes cause
Last Updated: 3 April 2024
The negative effect of an empty home on a street and surrounding community can be dramatic. If you let us know about an empty property we can help the owner bring the home back into use.
Empty homes can lead to damp and pests and also attract anti-social behaviour such as vandalism, arson or squatting. This can reduce the value of neighbours' homes.
It’s not difficult to spot the empty home in a street. It usually looks neglected with peeling paintwork, overgrown garden and no-one coming and going. An easy target for people with bad intentions.
Why do people leave homes empty
There are various reasons for leaving properties empty such as being up for sale, for rent or are being repaired. The previous owner may have died and the person who inherits it can take time to decide what to do with the property.
Action on Empty Homes provides more information regarding issues with empty homes.
How we can help empty home owners
There are many ways owners can bring their empty home back into use. Such as:
- matchmaking services
- property guardianship
One of our priorities is to provide more affordable rented housing. This is very important for people on low wages who can’t afford a ‘market’ rent.
What if an owner doesn't want to bring their empty home back into use
Although we try to help owners, some will not work with us to make their empty property a home again.
When this happens we can use enforcement. For example we have successfully used the Empty Dwelling Management Order (EDMO), where we can appoint an agent to manage the property for seven years. These homes are let to people in most need of housing.