What happens when a property becomes empty

Empty council properties are called ‘voids’. An average of five properties a week become empty and are handed to the Repairs Team to inspect for any maintenance works required before they are re-let. The Repairs Team will visit each property and arrange for any repair works needed to bring them up to a 'minimum lettable standard' to be carried out by the In-House Team or one of our other contractors. The time taken to get a property back to minimum lettable standard can vary. However, the average time taken last year was 36 days.

The following is a list of standards which we work to:

• The property will be re-let in a good and clean condition
• The property will be secure
• The property will be free from rubbish, inside and out
• Gas and electrical systems will be inspected and work undertaken to ensure that they are in a safe condition
• The kitchens and bathrooms will be in a workable, clean condition
• The property will be free from infestation and adequately ventilated

The council will only carry out decorating to properties in sheltered housing schemes. However, for all our other properties, a Crown paints decoration kit may be awarded to help tenants to decorate their new home.

We are currently reviewing the way we handle our void properties to ensure the most cost effective and efficient processes are used.

If you have any specific queries, please complete our contact form.

Last updated: ‎14/10/2022 10:31