Empty homes

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead recognises that long term empty homes can have an impact on local communities, particularly where properties fall into disrepair or create risks to health and safety.

While some homes may be temporarily empty e.g. during renovation or change of ownership. Long-term vacant properties can become unsightly, attract antisocial behaviour, and, in some cases, pose a danger to the public.

The council works to ensure that empty properties do not pose a risk to the community. Due to the high volume of reports received, all cases are assessed and prioritised using a risk-based approach.

Information about Council Tax relating to empty properties can be found on the Council’s website.

How we assess empty homes

All reports of empty properties are triaged on receipt. This means that each case is reviewed and prioritised based on the level of risk presented. When assessing a report, we consider:

• Risk to public health and safety.
• The structural condition of the property.
• The impact on neighbouring residents.
• Evidence of serious disrepair.
• How long the property has been empty.

When the council will investigate

The council will only carry out site visits in limited circumstances where there is clear evidence that a long term empty property:

• Is in a serious state of disrepair.
• Is structurally unsafe or at risk of collapse.
• Poses a significant risk to the public or neighbouring properties

The council will not normally visit long term empty properties that do not pose a risk to public health or safety or experiencing only minor cosmetic disrepair.

Flexible home improvement loans and empty homes loans

Currently we are unable to provide flexible home improvement loans and empty homes loans to new customers.  

For existing loan customers - if you have any loan queries, please contact Lendology who administer loans on our behalf.  

You can contact Lendology by phoning 01823 461099 or emailing loans@lendology.org.uk.

Empty home advice

Request advice about your empty home or tell us about an empty home, please complete our online form.

Report an issue to Environmental Services