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The Empty Homes Strategy is a range of initiatives aimed at bringing empty privately owned homes across the Borough back into use. The various options included in the strategy offer a number of different ways of helping owners get their empty properties back into use, whilst providing homes for people who are in housing need.
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According to the Council's records, there are over 3000 privately owned empty homes in Hastings. Of these, approximately 1600 have been empty for 6 months or more. This represents a wasted resource when there are a large number of people in housing need across the Borough.
Empty properties represent a loss of potential earnings to their owners in the form of rent. They may also become targets for crime and anti-social behaviour, such as fly tipping. Bringing properties back into use enhances the whole community, making the neighbourhood safer.
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The Empty Homes Grant is a renovation grant, which can help owners bring empty homes back into use. It is aimed at helping owners refurbish unfit properties for rent. The grants will be targeted to owners who may lease their property to a housing association, or let it directly taking nominated tenants from the Council, for a minimum period of 5 years in both cases.
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The Empty Homes Officer plays an important role in the Empty Homes Strategy by providing a first point of contact, and by helping owners find the best way of bringing properties back into use.
There are a number of different schemes operating in Hastings. They include:
The Empty Homes Officer will be able to advise you on the best option to bring your empty home back into use.
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The private sector leasing scheme aims to remove the worry for an owner of letting their property. It does this by arranging for a Housing Association to lease the property for a fixed and usually longer period. The owner will receive a guaranteed rent, whilst the Housing Association takes on the management responsibilities and arranges for major repairs or improvements.
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Advice can be given to new and existing landlords both verbally and in leaflet format. Information can be provided on a range of subjects, such as tenancy agreements, health and safety requirements and how to find a tenant
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This scheme helps people in housing need access to good quality privately rented accommodation. Many tenants do not have the necessary funds to provide a deposit. This scheme solves the problem by providing a deposit. Hastings and Rother Bond Board provide an independent bond holding service, in addition to carrying out video inventories of properties.
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Where negotiations with an owner have been exhausted, the Council has powers to take enforcement action against an owner to carry out repair works. The Council may also issue a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), particularly if the property has been vacant a number of years, or if the property has fallen into serious disrepair.
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This page last updated: 08/01/2007