Ashfield District Council: Empty Homes Campaign

Empty Homes Campaign

What Is The Empty Homes Campaign?

The Empty Homes Campaign is a commitment from Ashfield District Council to get empty private sector property back into use as residential accommodation.

Why Have An Empty Homes Strategy?

Empty homes are a wasted resource.

In September 2008 there were 1879 empty homes in the Ashfield District; at the same time there were 4500 applicants on the councils housing register needing affordable accommodation.

The Empty Homes Officer

The Empty Homes Officer plays an important role in the Empty Homes Strategy by providing a first point of contact for property owners (and for the public who identify empty properties), and by helping owners find the best way of bringing them back into use.

An Empty Home Costs Money & The Risks Are Much Increased

An empty home can have the following problems:

Increased insurance premiums or companies refusing cover.
Ongoing Council Tax payments.
Risk of squatters & legal fees to remove them.
No Rent
Dilapidation whilst empty.
Increased risk of vandalism.
Increased risk of fire
Boarding up costs.
Unnoticed leaks and damp penetration.
Ongoing security costs.
Ongoing neighbour complaints.

Does it really make sense losing over £7,000 each year keeping your property empty - with nothing but hassle in return?

How Does The Empty Homes Campaign Work?

The Empty Homes Officer is here to help. Any queries about empty properties will be investigated and the best options made available to interested owners.

The range of options include:

Housing Association Purchase & Repair.
Housing Association Leasing.
Advice to rent privately.

Advice can be given on all of the above options.

Who Benefits From Bringing An Empty Home Back Into Use?

Everyone benefits!

Owners benefit by improving the condition of their property and bringing it back into use. By bringing a property back into use, it ceases to be a financial burden, and can become a productive asset.

Individuals benefit by having greater housing choice.

The community benefits due to the local environment being improved and empty properties becoming homes again.

How Can You Help?

If you know of an empty residential property, or come into contact with the owner of one, you can help by advising them of the Council's strategy, and by passing the property and contact details to the Empty Homes Officer.

The Council's Role

When you contact us we will register the address of the property and make enquires to establish why it is empty. If you own the property, we can give you advice and information on schemes for refurbishment and letting. If the property is used properly it will remain an investment.

Do you need advice or know of an empty home?

Call the 24-hour freephone Empty Homes Hotline 0800 328 0356 for further advice or information.