Housing terms and conditions

Empty homes financial assistance conditions

Funding will be approved based on the lowest quotation submitted, and approved works must be carried out by the contractor(s) on whose quotation(s) the assistance has been based. An alternative, more expensive contractor may undertake the works provided the Council has given prior consent to the change of contractor. The applicant must be aware that they will be responsible for any additional costs.
All works approved for financial assistance must be completed within 12 months of the approval date. Any funding not claimed within 12 months of the approval date will be cancelled, unless an extension has been approved. Applicants may apply to housingstandards@chichester.gov.uk for an extension in exceptional circumstances, and prior to the 12 month deadline. Applicants will be notified of the Council's decision within 14 days.
Empty Homes Assistance approval must have been received prior to the landlord commencing the works.
The applicant must retain a qualifying interest in the property throughout the course of works. If the property is sold before completion of works the assistance will be cancelled and any interim payments must be repaid to the Council.

If the property is sold before completion of the works or the assistance application is cancelled any interim payments must be repaid in full.
If the property is sold within 10 years of the day the Council makes the final payment of funding, all monies must be repaid in full within 28 days of sale.
If the lettings agreement with Chichester District Council is terminated by any party during the 10 year condition period monies will be repayable in full within 28 days of being requested.

In some cases the council may notify those carrying out local land charge searches of the existence of grants with a relevant condition.