Renovation Grants
There are currently about 1,500 empty homes in Poole and nearly 350 are long term empty. With adequate landlord incentives underpinned by suitable proactive enforcement, these properties could be turned into livable accommodation. Our Wasted Homes Strategy 2001 has a range of initiatives aimed at bringing empty properties back into use.
Empty properties in your area can be reported to us. We will then contact the owner to bring the property back into use.
Incentives To Owners
Owners will be given advice and information on all the initiatives available to make their properties habitable. This could include:
- landlord incentive schemes
- advice on renting privately
Landlord Incentive Schemes
The council currently operate a number of incentives to ensure a vibrant private rented sector and to ensure empty properties are utilised.
The Landlord Incentive Grant
The council offer a number of financial assistance packages to landlords to encourage and assist them to achieve the Government's “decent home standard” within the private rented sector.
Grants of up to 70% will be offered to accredited landlords (60% to non-accredited landlords) to exceed their statutory obligations and achieve the nationally recognised standard. The assistance packages are directed at all types of private rented properties whether it be a house in multiple occupation, single dwelling, flat or empty property.
The landlord must upon completion make the property available for letting to the public for a minimum period of five years. For empty property renovations, a five year nomination referral period will normally be required.
The Landlord Incentive Grant (New Build)
This scheme will continue for creation of new build “decent home” accommodation, whereby grants of up to £3,500 will be made available for the installation of affordable heating systems within each new unit of accommodation on the project. The council will require five year nomination rights referral for each unit of accommodation that receives assistance.
The Landlord incentive Grant (Conversions)
Accredited Landlords will receive in grant aid a flat rate of £7,500 per unit of accommodation to assist with costs of renovation.
Flats will need to achieve the "Decent Homes" standard upon completion.
Again a tenant referral certificate and associated referral form will need to be submitted with the application. This certifies that the landlord will accept council nominated tenants for a period of five years for each unit.
Not all properties are suitable for providing accommodation. The Private Sector Housing Team can give advice on the standards required for privately rented accommodation.
Contact the Private Sector Housing Team and see what is available.
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