One thing no landlord likes thinking about is having an empty property. It is something that does happen though. As a result, you need to prepare for it. Or, you can choose a service that negates the risk. The best way to do so is using the top services for guaranteed rent Barnet has. This service we offer is all about providing landlords with the rent money they are due even when their building is empty.

So many empty houses is a “scandal”

According to new figures, Barnet has one of the highest numbers of empty housing within the capital. People have referred to the increasing amount of empty houses here as a “scandal”.

The figure is currently at its highest since 2010. Barnet was found to have 1,891 empty houses. Southwark and Newham also had a multitude of vacant properties.

This most recent data revealed around 34,327 properties in London were “long term vacant”. It means they have not been lived in for more than six months and are “substantially unfurnished”. Things have been this way as of March 31st, 2022. These properties include both homes under the control of the council and housing association, and those in the hands of private owners.

The statistics led to criticism from Mayor Sadiq Khan’s opponents. According to them, these stats were damning in the context of the housing crisis. Mayor Kahn might have little direct powers to limit the amount of empty properties. But, he can strive to support councils to purchase vacant properties in their areas. Also, he can lobby the government on a London-wide basis to supply powers and funding to overcome the problem.

Comments on the situation

Andrew Boff, Conservative London Assembly Member, had some comments on the situation. He said that the figures reveal the Mayor had not been able to deal with the housing crisis. He has been unable to build the houses Londoners need whilst permitting more houses to stay empty. Andrew also pointed out that under the Mayor’s predecessor, the quantity of empty homes in London fell by 45%. Since Sadiq Khan had taken over in 2016, the number had gone up by 73%.

According to critics, it would be possible for the Government to reduce the problem by supplying the mayor with more funding. This would let him expand his Right-to-Buy-Back scheme.

A spokesperson for the Mayor had a response. They said he had been able to obtain a record-breaking delivery of genuinely affordable housing for the community. This includes higher amounts of council homebuilding than at any stage since the 70s. If you need the greatest services for guaranteed rent Barnet has, let us know.

They continued by saying the stats reveal the amount of long-term empty houses is increasing throughout England. As for the rate in London, it is lower than anywhere else. This is a national concern that needs an immediate response from the Government. Decisions made by ministers until now have made us go backwards. They have weakened the council’s capacity to utilise Empty Dwelling Management Orders to handle the houses.

What the Mayor is doing

The Mayor is doing what he can with the few powers he has. This includes letting councils purchase empty housing via his Right-to-Buy-Back scheme. Although, the problem demands that the Government acts. Sadiq Khan has made it clear he’d like to toughen up the Empty Dwelling Management Orders. This is in addition to extra measures. One is raising the money overseas owners need to pay for leaving their properties empty.

As for the Government, they said that councils already had the necessary powers to handle the issue. A spokesperson from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities commented. According to them, councils have a slew of powers for bringing empty structures back into use. They are also being clear that the councils should utilise them to provide more homes for communities.

We’ll keep everything safe for you with guaranteed rent in Barnet

At Guaranteed Rent, we help to protect the rental income of our clients. Additionally, we offer them the guarantee that they will keep the ownership of their property throughout the scheme. Not to mention, they won’t need to concern themselves with its condition.

So, if you’d like to start using the highest quality services for guaranteed rent Barnet has, contact us. We can advise you then help with setting up.