Skip to content

We use cookies on this site

If you don't want to accept cookies, you can change your preferences

Accept Manage cookies
  1. Home
  2. Housing
  3. Private sector housing
  4. Landlords
Housing document icon

Get an empty property back into use

An empty property is a waste. The council works together with owners to turn empty properties back into much needed homes.

Empty property owners miss out on the chance to earn valuable income on their properties and are subject to higher rates of council tax (currently 200%).

Spotting an empty property

We encourage residents to report empty properties. It is not always easy as some are well looked after but we want to know if you think are property is empty and if:

  • the property is boarded up or has metal screens over the doors and windows
  • no one is ever seen entering or leaving the property
  • the front and back gardens are very overgrown
  • there is rubbish dumped at the front or back of the property
  • there are pests and vermin
  • there is evidence of squatting or illegal activities
  • the property looks derelict, with broken windows and doors, holes in the roof or a large amount of uncollected post has built up.

If you believe the empty property is the source or cause of anti-social behaviour (ASB), please report it to our ASB Team.

How we are turning empty properties back into homes

Islington Council is committed to providing more good quality, decent homes by encouraging and supporting owners to bring their properties back into use.
We do provide as much assistance and advice as possible. It is not unlawful to own an empty property. However, if the owner of an empty property will not bring the property back into use the council will consider taking legal action as a last resort dependant on risk, issues associated with that property and resources available. Currently, we do not have any dedicated resources for empty properties, and we are unable to offer any grants. If any grants become available, we will update this page.

Contact

To report an Empty Property please contact the Residential Environmental Heath Team by emailing Residential.EnvH@islington.gov.uk or by calling 020 7527 3083. Please include its full address. 

Reporting anti-social behaviour or noise

We want Islington residents to feel safer in their neighbourhoods, parks, and town centres by tackling anti-social behaviour. Find out how to report it to our team and what happens next.

Was this information helpful?



Data protection: We will handle your personal information in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and in accordance with the council’s Fair Processing Notice.