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 Rent
Deposit Scheme.
Our new Empty Homes Strategy 2007-2010 builds on our experiences
and is helping 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 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
http://www.emptyhomes.com/
To report an empty property please click here and complete an
online form.
To download the Empty Homes Strategy please click the link
below.
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 following document is about the Council's
Rent Deposit Scheme and acts as a guide for landlords.
Rent Deposit
Scheme Landlords Guide
The document below is a guide about
residential lettings agents. Please click below to
download.
Guide to
Residential Letting Agents
The leaflet below provides information about
renovation loans for empty homes.
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
To view the Issues of the Landlords Newsletter 'Lets
Talk' please click here
If you would like to receive a copy of the Empty Homes Information
Pack then please call 01234 221 936
To view information about Empty
Homes Loan click here
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