Getting help in your local authority

1. I'm new to developing. Where can I get planning advice and reputable builders?
   My property is in disrepair and needs renovation. I'm new to developing and need good, local builders plus advice on planning and building regulations.
   

   • Read our information on 'having building work done'.
   • Contact us and we will help put you in touch with planning officers.
2. Are there any grants available for empty properties?
   
   Some local authorities offer low interest loans instead of grants for empty properties. However it is advisable to contact your local authority and find out what they have to offer generally. Any enquiry or application is free of charge, straightforward and can be made without obligation.
3. I just can't find the time. Can I get help?
   
   Scenario: you own a flat above a shop but it's not being used - you just haven't had the time to get it refurbished or let it out. What can you do?
   
   You can seek help. Consider the following options:
   

   • All of the council authorities in the No Use Empty (West) area will offer advice, guidance and support. Please see our page on Improving Empty Property.
     
   • If you want to let your property, but don't have the time to do it yourself and would like someone else to deal with the details of letting and managing the property, then you will want a reliable agent. Organisations such as the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), or Bristol Association of Letting and Managements Agents (BALMA) will help you choose an agent you can depend on.
   • If you really do not have the time to improve your empty property so that it can be occupied, it may be better to consider selling it. For more information please see our page on Selling an Empty Property.
   • If a property is left empty, it can deteriorate and attract antisocial behaviour, and in some cases the local authority is forced to take legal action. For more information on this, please read the advice on 'legal action your council can take'.
4. How can I get help finding good tenants?
   
   Scenario: Your property has been renovated. It has passed all the building regulations and is now available for renting out. However, you're new to letting. What next?

   You can get help. Letting agents can find you tenants and can also manage your property. As well as this, local authorities can also assist in finding suitable tenants for your property. For more information, see our page on Letting an Empty Property.
   

5. I have a property in a low-demand area? Can you reassure me?
   
   Scenario: You're finding it difficult to rent out the property as it is in a 'low-demand area'. You're reluctant to let the property through the council because of frightening stories about tenants damaging properties and failing to pay the rent.

   You can get help. Demand for property in the West of England is still high in all areas. If you want to sell or rent your property, a good estate or letting agent will be able to market it effectively for you. Organisations such as the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA), the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) and the Bristol Association of Letting and Managements Agents (BALMA) will help you choose an agent on whom you can depend.
    
   For more information please see our pages on Selling an Empty Property and Letting an Empty Property.
   

6. Who are the four West of England Local Authorities?
   
   

   • Bath and North East Somerset Council
   • Bristol City Council
   • North Somerset Council
   • South Gloucestershire Council
7. What schemes are available to lease my property to the council?
   
   Please contact us. The local authority can explain what schemes are available in your area.