Website: Epping Forest District Council
Contact: Paul Callaghan
Tel: 01992 564000
Address: Civic Offices, High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4BZ
Email: pcallaghan@eppingforestdc.gov.uk
The PLACE scheme
Epping Forest District Council has successfully bid for grant funding from CLG to set up a renovation and lease scheme to bring empty properties back into use.
The scheme provides high-level grant funding of up to £50,000 per property for the complete renovation of empty properties. The renovation work is managed by a Government approved Registered Social landlord (RSL) and once the work has been completed the property is signed up to a 3 year lease with the RSL to provide housing to families and individuals who have approached the Councils for assistance with their housing circumstances.
At the end of the 3 year lease the property will be returned to you vacant, fully renovated and in good decorative order (taking into account fair wear and tear) for you to use as you wish.
The scheme is for properties that have been empty for more than 6 months and that require renovation or improvement to be returned to use. Your Empty Homes Officer will inform you at their first visit whether or not your property is likely to be eligible, however, if you are uncertain whether your property meets this criteria please contact your Empty Homes Officer to discuss the scheme further or identify other options that may be available to you.
Your property will be used to provide affordable rented housing for families or individuals who have approached the Council for assistance with their housing circumstances. The partner local authorities have a nomination agreement with the partner RSLs to nominate suitable households to your property. The successful household will be signed up to a 6 month assured shorthold tenancy. The RSL will offer support and assistance to the tenants for the duration of the tenancy.
If you have any further questions, to find out more about this scheme, or other options for returning your property to use please contact Paul Callaghan (see details above).
The following authorities are also involved in this scheme:
East Herts
Harlow
Uttlesford
Chelmsford
St Albans
Hertsmere
Watford
If you have an interest in a property in these districts please contact the empty homes officer for that area
