Labour cracks down on landlords forcing them to rent out empty properties

Council officer inspecting empty property with 'To Let' sign
9:44 AM, 18th December 2024, 1 year ago 28

Landlords could be forced to rent out empty properties under new powers announced by the Labour government.

The English Devolution White Paper reveals councils will be given powers to take over vacant rental properties.

The plans lack detail about the specific new powers but are expected to resemble Labour’s recently introduced High Street Rental Auctions scheme.

The scheme allows councils to auction off empty shops that have been vacant for over 365 days within a 24-month period.

Strengthen local authorities’ ability to take over the management of vacant properties

The English Devolution White Paper says: “We will strengthen local authorities’ ability to take over the management of vacant residential premises and introduce large selective licensing schemes to improve conditions in the private rental sector, without requiring the Secretary of State’s approval.”

The plans come after the Labour government announced plans for a “devolution revolution” to put power back into local communities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, says the English Devolution White paper will create big changes that put power back in local hands.

She said: “Our English Devolution White Paper will be a turning point when we finally see communities, people and places across England begin to take back control over the things that matter to them.

“When our proud towns and cities are once again given the powers they need to drive growth and raise living standards as part of our Plan for Change.

“It’s a plan for putting more money in people’s pockets, putting politics back in the service of working people and a plan for stability, investment and reform, not chaos, austerity and decline, that will deliver a decade of national renewal.

“Devolution will no longer be agreed at the whim of a Minister in Whitehall, but embedded in the fabric of the country, becoming the default position of government.”

Scandal of empty properties in London

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has been urging councils to take action on the “scandal” of empty properties across the capital.

According to Mr Khan, around 30,000 homes currently lie vacant in London. He has previously called on Ministers to ease restrictions on Empty Dwelling Management Orders, which allow councils to temporarily take over empty homes but have become more limited in recent years.


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Comments

  • Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 360

    9:52 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    That’s outright appropriation of property.

    If someone isn’t harming anyone then they shouldn’t be coerced into selling property.

    This is a fundamental change in the nature of property rights.

    What’s next people who are not working for a year forced into labour?

  • Member Since October 2022 - Comments: 402

    10:30 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    Think the Human rights acts might well stop this.But it’s just labour hot air. Labour are going to support waspi. How well did that work out?

  • Member Since December 2015 - Comments: 292

    10:35 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    It’s not a problem. I live in Kent. The LA charges full ctax from day one. The house price increases by more than the ctax and utilities I pay out out. Leave it empty and still make money!

  • Member Since March 2018 - Comments: 74

    10:42 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    The devil is in the details here.
    Define empty, work away for 6 months, probate, second home, derelict, under renovation that has stalled, repossessed, up for sale the list goes on.
    I’m sure there are lots of empty homes in the country, but how many landlords decide to keep a property empty on a whim.
    I’d rent on a first come first served basis if the Government was the guarantor, not problem whatsoever, but until then I think, like anyone with any sense I’ll wait for a good quality tenant.
    My only concern with this rubbish is if some bright spark decides there is a time limit on how long a landlord has to sell a property.
    Sadly for me selling is the way forward, non profitable first then the rest.

  • Member Since July 2023 - Comments: 179

    11:05 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    As regards some of the London Properties, particularly those only used occasionally or even bought off plan as an Investment.
    With a good inventory company I don’t think the council could afford to put them back to the same condition.
    Even with the most respectful tenants will cause more than FWT to these.
    Also who is going to pay the ‘market rate?
    A ‘T’ who cannot afford such a property now certainly won’t be able to once taken over.

  • Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190

    11:27 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    “and introduce large selective licensing schemes to improve conditions in the private rental sector, without requiring the Secretary of State’s approval.” So there we have it ……. the whole country is going to be selectively licensed. The Renters Rights Bill “portal” will run alongside, but that will be the least of your worries.

  • Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190

    11:29 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    Reply to the comment left by Jim K at 18/12/2024 – 11:05
    The “market rate” will be whatever the Council achieve for your property in the auction.

  • Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1559

    11:31 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    If a property isn’t rented then the owner isn’t a landlord.

    Owners that work away for a year or so may choose to keep their home empty rather than let because there is a risk of not getting it back in their return. Will their homes be confiscated by 2TK?

    What about homes that are trashed by the tenants and need extensive work? With every available tradesman busy failing to meet 2TK’s house-building target, it may well take more than a year to complete works. In the meantime, the property isn’t empty and at risk of confiscation.

    Of course, empty homes should be brought back into use to help protect our countryside from over-development. Rather than using a big government-backed stick, maybe a little carrot would be in order.

    And again, none of this would be needed if government delivered the Brexit that many people voted for. We only need more houses because politicians are encouraging migrants to come to Treasury Island.

    It has to stop eventually.

    Our politics needs Reform.

  • Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 199

    11:35 AM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    No surprise there.

    Its pretty much the definition of socialism, to “socialise” (steal) property.

    Steal from the hard working, and give to the lazy.

    Not exactly Robin Hood, is it?

  • Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 360

    1:16 PM, 18th December 2024, About 1 year ago

    Robin stole from the sheriff (the government) and gave to to people.

    Starmer does the opposite.

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