As a council Dudley has an active and robust empty homes strategy. This sets out how the council, with the support of our partners tackle the problem of empty properties within the borough. Empty homes represent a wasted resource to our community, particularly at a time when housing demand is steadily increasing. We are committed to reducing the numbers of private empty properties by working together and supporting empty property owners, to put their properties back into use. Property owners can potentially lose an average £7-8000 per year, in rent by leaving their properties empty.
If you know of a residential property standing empty, then please let us know. Alternatively, if you are the owner of an empty property and need help or advice to bring it back into use, then contact us, we can help you.
[ Report an empty home ]
[ Request for help to bring an empty home back into use ]
Our empty homes officer is available on 01384 812632. For further information on the help available, please see our empty home information pack, available under related documents below.
Empty property strategy
This outlines our approach to tackling empty private sector properties within our borough.
[ Further information on the Empty Property Strategy
Empty homes agency
For further information on the national empty homes campaign click on the following link to the empty homes agency website:
[ The Empty Homes Agency
Empty property direct let scheme
The empty property direct let scheme is specifically for owners of empty properties who are seeking tenants. The scheme helps owners to bring their empty property back into use through the provision of technical advice and financial assistance. Owners must be willing to repair the property to meet the decent homes standard and accept nominated tenants from our housing waiting list for up to a five year period. Please see related documents below for further information.
Housing assistance scheme
Our housing assistance scheme can help owners to bring their empty properties back into use. Financial assistance is available for improvements to bring the property up to the Decent Homes Standard. For further information on these grants and on eligibility criteria please contact us on 01384 815118.
VAT reductions for empty properties
VAT reductions on improvements to empty residential properties have been introduced to promote the renovation and restoration of these properties and as an incentive to bring them back into use. The reduction rate is dependent upon the length of time that the property has remained empty. There are 2 broad bands –over 2 years empty and over 10 years empty. For more details contact us.
What powers does the council have to take action on empty properties?
Please click on the link below for information on the following:
- Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs)
- Housing Act 1985, section 17
- Town and Country Planning Act 1990, section 226
- Enforced Sales Procedures
- Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs)
- Dangerous or dilapidated Buildings or Structures
- Statutory Nuisance (Statutory Nuisance or premises which can affect health)
- Housing Act 2004 - Improvement Notices
- Unsecured Properties
[ Further information on what powers the council has ]
