Celebrate National Empty Homes Week with us from Monday, March 4th, to Sunday, March 10th! Sandwell Council is calling on your support to address the issue of vacant homes amid the ongoing housing crisis in the UK.
During Empty Homes Week, we seize the opportunity to provide guidance and support to individuals interested in bringing their unoccupied properties back into use. Additionally, we offer residents valuable advice on how to report any empty properties they come across.
In the past fiscal year 2023/2024, the Private Rented Sector and Housing Standards Team at Sandwell Council successfully reintegrated 25 homes that had been vacant for over two years. This achievement surpasses the target of 20 homes outlined in the Empty Property Strategy for the period. We remain on course to fulfill the ‘200 Homes’ plan, aiming to bring 200 homes back into use within five years, as outlined in the Empty Property Strategy. This accomplishment results from collaborative efforts with property owners and the implementation of various enforcement measures.
To encourage property owners to revive their vacant homes, we have introduced the Secure and Sustain Incentive Scheme. This initiative empowers the council to identify suitable tenants for your property. As an added incentive, we provide financial assistance to owners for obtaining necessary safety certificates and landlord insurance. There is also assistance to bring the property up to standard. For more details on this incentive scheme, please reach out to us via email at property_offer@sandwell.gov.uk.
For additional information, visit our webpage: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/find-home/empty-properties. Alternatively, you can contact us via email at PrivateSector_Housing@sandwell.gov.uk.
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