GrantRadar

Rochford District Council

Well Homes Empty Property Grant

A discretionary Rochford District Council grant of up to £5,000 for owners of homes in the district that have been empty for more than 12 months, towards major repairs to bring them back into residential use. It is not means tested. In return the council gets tenancy nomination rights for two years, rents are normally capped at the Local Housing Allowance rate, and a charge is placed on the property for two years.

Apply on the funder’s site
You could get
Up to £5,000
no fixed round
Deadline
Rolling
apply any time
Effort
Moderate
full application with documents

Who can apply

  • Owners of properties in Rochford district that have been empty for longer than 12 months
  • Not means tested; awarded at the council's discretion
  • Conditions: tenancy nomination rights to the council for two years after the works that remove Category 1 and high Category 2 hazards; rent normally restricted to the Local Housing Allowance rate; a charge on the property for two years; and full repayment if the property is sold or transferred within the condition period

What it funds

Major repairs to the structure of the dwelling and any amenities within. These include but are not limited to:

  • Repairs to the roof, gutters and drainage
  • Electrical rewiring
  • Repair/replacement of windows, doors, ceilings and floors
  • Repair/replacement of a heating system
  • Provision of energy efficiency measures
  • Works to maintain the structural stability of a dwelling
  • Improvements to a dwelling to provide any missing amenities such as a suitably located WC, a wash hand basin, kitchen sink, bath or shower and hot and cold water supplies

What it will not fund

  • Costs of materials for DIY projects
  • Making good poor workmanship
  • Repairs/improvements to porches, conservatories or garages except where the defect has a serious and direct impact on the health and safety of the occupant(s)
  • Works that are eligible for grant funding under any Government scheme or programme
  • Works where, having regard to the dwelling's age and condition and any other relevant information, a grant is not considered appropriate
  • Works subject to an insurance claim
  • A property that cannot be occupied because it fails to rectify identified Category 1 and high Category 2 hazards

How to apply

  1. Contact the council's empty properties team at emptyproperties@rochford.gov.uk
  2. Once approved, complete the eligible works and claim the grant within 6 months (the council can extend this)
  3. Provide invoices and the relevant certificates (electrical, FENSA or others); payment is normally made directly to the contractor

completion of works is determined by the council.

Have ready

  • Invoices for the works
  • Electrical certificates, FENSA certificates or other certificates as appropriate

these are needed at claim stage, after the works.

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