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Our online Council Tax, Business Rates and Housing Benefit service will be unavailable from Saturday 22 February 2025 until 10.00am on Monday 24 February 2025, whilst we carry out essential system maintenance. You can still make a payment during this time.

Bringing empty homes back into use


Houses which fall into disrepair, because they have been empty for a long time, reduce the value of other houses in the area, attract vermin, may become unsafe and can become the focal point for anti-social behaviour.

You may find yourself at risk of being homeless for many reasons. Do not wait until you become homeless tell us you are at risk of becoming homeless.

If you need somewhere to sleep tonight Contact Homeless (freephone number).

What happens once a problem has been reported?

We'll identify and contact the owner and encourage them to bring the property back into use. If this fails we may take enforcement action against the owner.

Bringing empty properties back into use

Properties are sometimes left empty for quite valid reasons. If you're a property owner who is:

  • having problems selling or letting your property
  • waiting for the right time to sell because of negative equity
  • having problems renovating your house to an acceptable standard

We can help you bring your home back into use, or find tenants for properties which meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Other support

Contact Empty Homes for more information on:

  • advertising your property to let
  • letting your property to homeless or vulnerable people
  • help to manage your repairs and improvements using our property management service


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