Empty properties

Report an empty property

If a property has been empty for over 12 months and is in disrepair, then you can report the issues to us.

Email the full address and postcode to privatehousing@merton.gov.uk.

We will investigate and contact the owner to take the necessary action. Enforcement powers may be used where appropriate.

Letting schemes

Letting schemes are available if you own an empty property.

Private Sector Leasing Scheme (PSL)

We can offer:

Guaranteed rent, paid to landlord monthly, for the period of the lease regardless of any void periods (rent assessed subject to inspection)
A lease agreement (between you and the council) for three and a half years
Full management and repairs service (including weekends/evenings)
Regular inspections
Property is returned at end of lease in its original condition (excepting fair wear and tear)

Rent Deposit Scheme (RDS)

We will find you a tenant through our Rent Deposit Scheme. We can also offer:

A free professional service
Property inspection
Upfront incentive payment
Rent in advance payment
We request direct-to-landlord Housing Benefit payments in all cases
A dedicated team of experienced officers
Tenancy advice and support if required
Free tenancy agreement

When we find you a tenant through the Rent Deposit Scheme, the rent we can offer for each property must be within the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate.

These rates are reviewed each financial year. View Local Housing Allowance rates for confirmation of the LHA level in your area. Email our temporary accommodation team who manage these and other schemes such as the short term leasing scheme on landlordlettings@richmond.gov.uk

Empty property FOI requests

We are frequently asked for addresses of empty properties within the borough but these are exempt from disclosure under FOI under S31 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the prevention or detection of crime) and S40 (3) (a) (i) (personal data).

Council Tax Premium

Find out if your property is exempt from Council Tax and how to apply for an exemption.

A property may be exempt from Council Tax if it is empty.

Reduced VAT rating

If a contractor carries out work to an existing building they will normally have to charge VAT at the standard rate. They may be able to charge VAT at the reduced rate of 5% if you’re renovating or altering either:

An eligible dwelling that has not been lived in during the two years immediately before your work starts (although there are exceptions)
Premises intended for use solely for a ‘relevant residential purpose’ that have not been lived in during the two years immediately before you start your work

See the government guidance to make sure you meet the necessary requirements required before applying for a verification letter.

You will require proof that a premises has been empty for two years to attract the VAT reduce rate. This can be obtained from our Council Tax department directly.

London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Council Tax Service
PO Box 72388
London
SW18 9PL

Telephone: 020 8891 1411
Email: counciltax@richmond.gov.uk

Wildlife and overgrown gardens

We are unable to take action regarding issues like foxes, wildlife and overgrown gardens.

However, we can offer advice or mediation regarding issues with overgrown hedges: