Empty Properties

In 2004, a joint Empty Property Strategy was developed by Carlisle City Council and Eden District Council. The Strategy was based on existing good practice from around the Country and seeks to capitalise on legislative changes. It outlines ways in which empty properties can be brought back into use, how the Council can prevent homes becoming empty and action that can be taken if an empty property owner fails to bring on empty property back into use.

As part of this strategy Carlisle City Council is currently working to reduce the level of empty properties within the area, the private sector housing team works to try and resolve the issues relating to empty homes, so they can be brought back into use.

The team works to reduce the number of empty properties by

Responding to enquiries and complaints from local residents about empty properties.
Proactively identify empty properties and their owners.
Providing advice and support to the owners of empty properties with the aim of returning the properties back into use.

Offering financial support to empty property owners, in the form of Empty Property Renovation Grants.

Report an Empty Property

In order to bring empty homes back into use, we need the assistance of landlords, owners and residents to identify all empty flats and houses in the area. To report an empty property use our online form or contact us using the details below.

If the owner of an empty property does not work with the Council or makes insufficient effort to return a property into use, the Council maybe left with no option but to take formal enforcement action against them. Such action may include:

Compulsory purchase order
Enforced sale
Demolition
Empty Dwelling Management Orders.

For further details on empty properties, or to report an empty property, please contact a member of Housing Services on 01228 817320 or email: HousingandHealth@carlisle.gov.uk

Do It Online

Useful Links

Council Publications