Empty Property Initiative

Why have an Empty Property Strategy?

Empty properties have an effect on the community as a whole resulting in social, economic and environmental costs to local neighbourhoods. The aims of the strategy are to:

• get previously empty properties and derelict land back into productive use
• discourage crime and anti-social behaviour, vandalism and fly-tipping.
• increase the available housing supply
• reduce loss of housing and business space for the area.
• enhance the whole community, making neighbourhoods safer.

There are approximately 3000 empty properties across Thanet.  These include both residential and commercial properties.

• Download a copy of the Empty Property Strategy (pdf)

What options are available?

There are a number of ways that this initiative can help owners of empty properties.

Advice and Information

can be given on a range of subjects with regard to letting a property such as:

• tenancy agreements
• health and safety requirements in properties
• how to find a tenant
• details of the local Landlords’s Forum.
• conservation areas, listed status of buildings and planning applications.

Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), or Housing associations

manage a number of properties in the district. Some RSLs are able to carry out developmental work to refurbish existing properties, or build new. The Authority will be able to refer developers to RSLs, to enable partnership working across the district.

Enforcement action

Where negotiations with an owner have been exhausted, the Authority has powers to take enforcement action against an owner to carry out repair works. As a last resort, a Compulsory Purchase Order may be issued, particularly if the property has fallen into serious disrepair.

Owners of empty property can contact the Empty Property Officer for advice on the options available to bring empty property back into use, and concerned neighbours can report empty properties.

If you are interested in the Empty Property Strategy and would like to find out more, please phone the Empty Property Officer on 01843 577408 or email: housing.conditions@thanet.gov.uk

Empty Property Team Service Standards

The council is committed to providing good quality services that meet the needs of all. The Service Standards for Empty Properties booklet sets out services provided by the Empty Property Team, and what to do if you wish to make a complaint.

Empty Property

E-mail:

housing.conditions
@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577408