Leaving a home empty can have a negative impact on the community and the value of the owner’s home.

The longer a home is left empty the more likely it is to attract vandalism, anti-social behaviour and fall into disrepair. 

If you are an empty home owner you have certain responsibilities regarding keeping it secure, in good repair and paying some Council Tax.

The upkeep of an empty home can be time consuming and costly.

Your responsibilities whilst your home is empty

It is recommended, if the home is left empty, you provide any immediate neighbours with your contact details.

Any problems can then be reported to you directly.

You should visit the home regularly to ensure the following:

• it is secure
• any gardens are maintained to a reasonable standard
• the external appearance of the home is kept in good order
• the home is not in a condition so as to cause defects to neighbouring homes

If you fail to keep the home secure, free from rubbish and in a reasonable condition, we may require you to carry out works.

If you fail to do these works we could prosecute you or do works on your behalf and then seek re-payment.

Help we can provide

We can offer an Empty Homes Loan to assist in bringing long term empty residential properties, located within the Borough, back into use. The loan is interest free and is up to a maximum of £10,000. More information and to see if you are eligible for an Empty Homes Loan.

Our Housing Options Team may also be able to help you in finding a tenant to rent your home out to. 

If you do not bring your home back into use

We would always prefer to work with you to make sure that the home is brought back into use in a way that benefits both yourself and the community.

If the home has been empty for over 6 months and is causing problems for neighbours, we may have the power to take actions to bring your home back into use without your consent. 

If you need help bringing an empty home back into use, contact the Housing Standards Team for advice on 01785 619000 or email housingstandards@staffordbc.gov.uk.