Disputes about charges for an unoccupied property

You can avoid disputes by telling us about any changes straight away.

Sometimes a landlord gets a bill for an unoccupied period and disputes the charge. They say that a tenant was living in the property. If this happens, we need evidence that a tenant was living in the property.

Before we can review the disputed bill, we will ask for:

• a copy of the tenancy agreement if we haven’t already got it
• the tenants' contact details, forwarding and previous addresses
• proof of the rent received
• bond details taken under the government's deposit scheme.
• proof of ID for the tenant renting the property
• references for the tenant

If there is a dispute, we will not cancel the charges until we get the evidence we need. Until then you should keep making payments.

Usually, landlords are not responsible for paying the bill as this is down to the tenants. If you want to remain liable for the payments we will need to see written proof of this agreement.

In-between tenants

When you are in-between tenants, you are responsible for paying the bill. There is no reduction in council tax for empty and unfurnished properties.