Landlords are not normally responsible for paying the bill as this is down to the tenants. You can remain liable for the payments, but you must:
- write and confirm this, or
- supply a copy of the tenancy agreement showing you are responsible for the charge
When a landlord is responsible for paying the council tax
You must tell us of any changes in your circumstance which may affect the amount of council tax you pay. If you no longer qualify or something changes you must tell us within 21 days. You may have to pay a fine if you don't tell us.
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.
Tenants under 18
A person is not counted for council tax if they are under 18 years old. View the Under 18 page for more details and to apply.
Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)
You will be responsible for paying the bill if you:
- have more than one tenant in the property, and
- they each have their own tenancy agreement
If a property is an HMO, the owner is usually liable for the council tax.
The owner is defined as either:
- the person(s) with a freehold or leasehold interest in the whole dwelling
- a person who has a freehold interest in any part of the property
When we’re trying to work out whether a property is an HMO, we consider:
- how the building is constructed or adapted
- whether the tenants are jointly or individually liable for the rent on the whole property
If the tenants have separate tenancy agreements, they are not responsible for the rent on the whole property. This means the property is an HMO and the owner is liable and responsible for paying the council tax.