Regulator makes it easier for landlords to sell empty homes

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Local Government

Registered providers will no longer have to seek the regulator's consent to sell empty homes, provided the disposal is part of an approved programme.

The Homes and Communities Agency's revised guidance aims to increase flexibility and reduce administrative burden for providers who can demonstrate a "strategic approach" to the management of their assets.

The new guidance says: "A provider may apply to the regulator for approval of an overall programme to dispose of vacant social dwellings. Once the regulator has approved the programme, and providing each individual disposal meets the conditions of the General Consent, then the provider may dispose of the dwellings without needing to apply for a series of individual consents." 

The new guidance covers the procedures for gaining the regulator’s consent to the disposal of social housing and other land, and introduces changes to the process by which the regulator will approve programmes of disposals.

Matthew Bailes, Director of Regulation, said: “This change to our consent process recognises that a programme of sales can be an important part of providers’ strategies to achieve best use of the resources available to them.  It will particularly help those providers with agreements to deliver new Affordable Homes, with sales receipts contributing to the overall resource requirements.

“It is also intended to relieve administrative burdens for those providers who have developed plans for a significant level of sales, where previously they would have to seek individual consent.”