Categories Of Services
Empty Homes
Like most parts of the UK, Bedford has a shortage of affordable homes. We have over 3500 households waiting for social housing. That's why it is a great waste to have over 800 privately owned homes standing empty for long periods of time.
In November 2003 we produced our first Empty Homes Strategy. Since 1st April 2004 to 31st March 2007 we have brought 233 properties back into use as a direct result of action by the Council and made 209 of those available to homeless households through our sucessful Rent Deposit Scheme.
Our new Empty Homes Strategy 2007-2010 builds on our experiences of the past 3 years and will help us bring even more empty homes back into use.
Did you know that
A property left empty for over 6 months is now subject to a full council tax bill. A property empty for over 12 months may be eligible for a loan for essential repairs of up to £20,000. If you are interested in letting an empty property we may be able to help you find suitable tenants through our successful rent deposit scheme. Local Authorities have enforcement powers available to bring properties back into use.
For more information please visit the Empty Homes Agency website www.emptyhomes.com
To report an empty property on our online form then please click on the following link: http://www.eforms.bedford.gov.uk/af3/an/default.aspx/RenderForm/?ID=CDjhhKId-Z7&HideToolbar=1
To download the Empty Homes Stategy please click the link below.
 | Empty Homes Strategy 200710 ( NaN Kb ) - DOWNLOAD |
Empty Homes Information Pack
Please click on the document below to download a copy of the Councils Housing Health adn Safety system leaflet.
| Housing Health and Safety Rating System Leaflet - DOWNLOAD |
The following document is about the Council's Rent Deposit Scheme and acts as a guide for landlords.
| Rent Deposit Scheme Landlords Guide - DOWNLOAD |
The document below is a guide about residential lettings agents. Please click below to download.
| Guide to Residential Letting Agents - DOWNLOAD |
The following two documents have been produced by the Communities and Local Government. Please click on the links below to download them.
| Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies A Guide for Landlords - DOWNLOAD |
To view the Issues of the Landlords Newsletter 'Lets Talk' please click here
If you would like to recieve a copy of the Empty Homes Information Pack then please call 01234 221 936
To view information about Empty Homes Loans click here
Empty Dwelling Management Orders
For further onformation about Empty Dwelling Management Orders, please click on the two documents below.
| Empty Dwelling Management Orders Guidance for Residential Property Owners - DOWNLOAD |
| Guidance Note on Empty Dwelling Management Orders - DOWNLOAD |
Compulsory Purchase Orders
For further information please download the document below.
| Compulsory Purchase Procedure - DOWNLOAD |
SERVICES A-Z
Homelessness
Housing Grants
Housing Advice
Empty Homes
RELATED PAGES
Housing Development and Policy
Gypsies and Travellers
Housing Advice
Private Sector Landlords
Choice Based Lettings
Housing
Low Cost Homeownership
PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING
Homelessness
Open and Derelict Properties
Energy for Good
Cocoon scheme
Accommodation Certificates