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Empty homes

The Council recognises that long-term empty homes represent a wasted resource in an area where so many people are in housing need. These empty homes could be rented privately or sold for owner occupation, therefore bringing much needed homes back into the market.

Through the Private Sector Access Scheme, the council can assist prospective landlords through the process of letting and managing their accomodation.

The scheme aims to help households threatened with homelessness gain access to privately rented accommodation, while encouraging more homeowners in the private sector to rent their properties.

The re-occupation of empty homes will result in the following mutual benefits:

For the Council:

• Making a valuable contribution to meeting the housing needs of local people.
• Generating additional revenue through Council Tax.
• Preventing empty properties becoming the focus of anti-social behaviour.
• Enhancing the local environment.
• Promoting the Council's pro-active enabling role.

For owners:

• Access to advice and assistance from the Council, including the possibility of grant aid.
• Income generation.
• Preventing the fabric of buildings from deteriorating.
• If using the Private Sector Access Scheme free advice is provided on the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. Regular contact between the council, the landlord and the tenant helps ensure that the tenancy runs as smoothly as possible.
• If letting the property privately, a grant could be made available to improve the heating system and insulation under the Private Landlord Energy Award Scheme.

The Council can issue Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs) to secure occupation in certain circumstances. This process would enable the Council to make the property suitable for occupation. A series of preliminary actions would need to be followed, including authorisation from the Residential Property Tribunal. This power provides housing authorities with increased capacity to deal with properties which have been empty for long periods and which detract from the available housing stock.

Councils can also issue Compulsory Purchase Orders to return empty homes to use. In general, compulsory purchase powers are only used where there is a compelling need in the wider public interest.

The Private Sector Housing Team focuses on long-term empty homes that are falling into disrepair and where owners are unwilling to pursue a constructive solution. EDMO's will be considered in these cases although there are very few properties in Tandridge that fall into this category.

For further information please contact Private Sector Housing on 01883 732838 or e-mail housingprivatesector@tandridge.gov.uk

Or write to us at:
Tandridge District Council
8 Station Road East
Oxted RH8 0BT

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