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Private Sector Housing

Empty Dwellings

Empty properties can be a problem for a number of different reasons

1. Empty properties are a magnet for children who see them as some sort of adventure playground, not realising how dangerous they can be. If a property is not kept secure against access, and a person is injured, the owner is usually held liable.
   
   
2. Empty properties attract vandalism - windows get broken, pipe work is ripped out, rubbish is dumped, attracting rodents and vermin, which will thrive in an empty property.
   
   
3. Empty properties are a depreciating asset. Once a property starts to fall into disrepair, it soon loses its value, but becomes more costly to repair.
   
   
4. Empty properties have a negative impact on their immediate surroundings, leading to a loss of confidence in the area and a lessening in value for the surrounding properties.

Empty dwellings are also a potential home and if brought back into use can help reduce the need for building on green field sites

The Government has now placed a responsibility on Local Authorities to bring empty houses back into use.

However we aware that there are many more empty properties in the district which we currently do not know about.

• Report an empty property
• Empty Property Strategy

Empty Property Management Orders

Councils have new powers to take over empty properties and let them out.

• Empty Dwelling Management Orders Guidance for residential property owners.

No Use Empty

• Visit the website www.no-use-empty.org

Contact Private Sector Housing

Tel: 01304 872454
E-mail: privatesectorhousing@dover.gov.uk

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