Leicester City Council’s Empty Homes Team offer a range of services that are designed to make privately-owned empty properties available for housing again.

 

Once the Empty Homes Team have been notified of a dwelling that has been empty for more than 18 months, the owner is contacted and advice and guidance about various options is offered. These include providing a list of reputable building firms who may be interested in carrying out repair / renovation work that may be required in order to bring the property back into use.

 

Alternatively, the Empty Homes Team can provide information and guidance on leasing, letting and purchase options that are available.

 

In extreme cases, and after approval has been sought and granted by the Council’s Cabinet and confirmed by the Department of Communities and Local Government, the Empty Homes Team will enforce a compulsory purchase order to acquire the property in order to bring it back into use.

 

The Empty Homes Team are willing to work with property owners in order to reach a mutually beneficial solution and compulsory acquisition of empty properties is a last-resort when dealing with the problem of empty or abandoned private housing in Leicester.

 

For further information or to report an empty private property, please call the Empty Homes Team on 0116 299 5560.