Empty Homes
Like most parts of the UK, Bedford has a
shortage of affordable homes. That's why it is a great
waste to have nearly 1000 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 2009 we have brought 529
properties back into use as a direct result of action by the
Council. The majority of these properties have been made
available to homeless households through our successful Tenancy
Deposit Guarantee Scheme.
The council is currently reviewing its Empty Homes Strategy.
The Empty Homes Strategy 2007-2010 has built on our experiences and
has helped us to 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
Tenancy Deposit Guarantee Scheme. Click
here for more information.
- Local Authorities have enforcement powers
available to bring properties back into use.
For more information please visit the Empty Homes Agency website
http://www.emptyhomes.com/
To report an empty property please click here and complete an
online form.
To download the 2007/2010 Empty Homes Strategy please
click the link below. Please note that this Strategy is
currently in the process of being updated.
The draft Empty Homes Strategy 2013-2016 has been agreed for
public consultation and is now available for download at:
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/housing/housing_development_and_policy.aspx.
Empty Homes
Strategy 2007/10
Empty Homes Information Pack
Please click on the document below to download
a copy of the Councils Housing Health and Safety system
leaflet.
Housing Health
and Safety Rating System Leaflet
The leaflet below provides information about
renovation loans for empty homes. Due to budgetry
restrictions these loans are currently unavailable until further
notice.
Renovation Loans
for Empty Homes
The following two documents have been produced
by the Communities and Local Government. Please click on the
links below to download them.
Letting Your
Home
Assured and
Assured Shorthold Tenancies A Guide for Landlords
If you would like to receive a copy of the
Empty Homes Information Pack then please call 01234 718584.
Empty Dwelling Management
Orders
For further
information about Empty Dwelling Management Orders, please click on
the two documents below.
Empty Dwelling
Management Orders Guidance for Residential Property Owners
Guidance Note
on Empty Dwelling Management Orders
Compulsory Purchase Orders
For further information please download the
document below.
Compulsory
Purchase Procedure