Vacant Homes Strategy
- What is a non-transactional vacant dwelling?
- Is there a problem with vacant homes in Warrington?
- What is the council doing about vacant homes?
- What assistance is available if I have a vacant property?
- What should I do if I am concerned about a vacant property?
What is a non-transactional vacant dwelling?
Categories of non-transactional empty homes include:
- Those that are not in a habitable condition
- Those that are in a habitable condition but have been left vacant by their owners
Non-transactional vacants or problematic vacants are often in poor condition so the vacancy is likely to be prolonged. Problematic vacants might require action in order to bring them back into use more quickly.
There are many reasons why homes are empty for non-transactional reasons but a common characteristic is that they are not being actively marketed. Whilst disrepair is a significant factor, it is by no means the only reason why some homes remain empty for extended periods of time.
Transactional vacants
Transactional vacants are active in the market and might be expected to be re-occupied relatively quickly. They are necessary for mobility in the housing market.
What is the council doing about vacant homes?
The council has supported the policy of offering grant assistance to owners of vacant, unfit properties to encourage them to renovate and bring the properties back into the private rented sector.
There is provision under the Housing Renewals Policy to provide Renewals Assistance where the council deems this to be appropriate. This can be in the form of:
- Landlord Renewals Assistance – Vacant homes (see below)
- Renewals Assistance – Vacant houses – Owner occupiers (see below)
- Vacant Homes Grant - Landlords (see below)
Any action to intervene in respect of a problematic empty house should be proportionate to the risk and only where there is a compelling case in the public interest. A balanced view should be taken between the intentions of the authority and the concerns of those whose land is to be expropriated.
What assistance is available if I have a vacant property?
Landlord Renewals Assistance
This is assistance amounting to 50% of the eligible expenses, up to a maximum of £25,000. It is offered in return for nomination rights in qualifying properties only (those which are in demand for private lets as agreed with the council’s homelessness and housing advice manager).
(In cases where there is active instability which requires underpinning and/or significant rebuilding of the structure of the dwelling, this limit may be increased to £35,000 plus fees, and also Energy House Assistance where appropriate).
The property must be included in the Vacant Properties Register and have been vacant for more than 12 months. In cases where the property has not been recorded on the register and the owner believes it has been vacant for more than 12 months, the onus of proof is on the owner to satisfy the council that it meets the criteria. The property must, however, be in such a condition to be classified as a high priority case before assistance can be considered.
Requests for assistance will not normally be considered from landlords who have received any assistance under the Enhanced Landlord Renovation Grant Scheme or Renewals Assistance within the last five years and who have significantly breached the terms and conditions of this grant/assistance.
Owner occupation
Where policy deems appropriate, financial assistance as a means of incentive may be offered to owners who intend to owner-occupy the vacant house.
Assistance will be in the form of "Top up" Renewals Assistance, where this is necessary, in order to bridge the difference between the cost of the eligible works [subject to a maximum of 75% of the eligible expenses] and the amount of loan or re-mortgage they can procure from reputable high street or other financial institutions.
Such applicants would be obliged to prove that they were unable to obtain a suitable loan to cover the full cost of the eligible works.
As a condition of Renewals Assistance, the owner is required to provide satisfactory thermal insulation and a suitable space heating system within the property, for which additional Energy House Assistance may be available.
Landlords' Vacant Homes Grant
This is a discretionary grant up tp a maximum of £5,000 plus eligible fees, to encourage owners of low and medium priority vacant dwellings, which have been vacant for more than six months, to bring them back into use in the private sector.
Works include:
- Make the property wind and weathertight, such as roof repairs
- Eliminate hazards, such as dangerous electrics
- Install security measures, such as door and window locks
- Improve thermal insulation and heating provision
- Decoration
What can be classed as a fee?
- Gas and electrical safety checks
- First year's insurance premium willful damage*
- First year's insurance premium for non payment of rent*
- Care and Repair Agency fees
*Subject to the availability of suitable insurance products.
What should I do if I am concerned about a vacant property?
Report this to Private Sector Housing, giving as many details as you have about the property and its ownership, by contacting:
Private Sector Housing
Environment & Regeneration Directorate
PO Box 875
Warrington
WA1 1WP
Tel: 01925 442448 / 25
Fax: 01925 442412
E mail: privatesector@warrington.gov.uk
Minicom: 01925 442425
or call into our reception located at:
Homelessness and Housing
Warrington Borough Council
The Gateway
85 - 101 Sankey Street
Warrington
WA1 1SR
Last updated 09/02/2010 10:50:42
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