Landlords Free To Sell Empty Properties

Social landlords will no longer have to get permission to sell individual empty properties under new guidance.  The Homes and Communities Agency has changed its consent rules to allow associations permission for a ‘policy’ or ‘programme’ of vacant disposals. This means the HCA can give permission for a landlord to sell properties of a particular type, size or other criteria without having to get permission for the sale of each one individually. The legislative power to alter the guidance, through the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, has existed since April 2010, but until now has not been used.  The HCA argued the change will increase flexibility and reduce administration costs for landlords. The change only applies to non-profit providers.  Download a copy of the guidance from the HCA website.