Council Tax On Empty Property

[jaycee401]

my tenant has now left the property, i am trying to sell/rent, can i claim for up to 6 months free council tax charge as the property is now empty.

[murraymints]

In Scotland that's the case..but you have to turn off utilities..

[jaycee401]

thanks murraymints, this is north west, do I need to ring the utilities and council and tell them the prop is now empty?

[woofgang]

You need to check with your council, In London you just need proof there is no one living there, in Hampshire, utilities can be left on but all furniture must be removed.

[heathfield]

Different councils, different rules. Check with your local council - they may even have a leaflet on the subject.

[EDDIE51]

As far as I know the reduction for an empty property is 50% the rest has to be paid

[bongoboy]

i think you only get 6 months free council tax exemption if the owner has died and you get 6 months free while probate is going through, otherwise i believe you have to pay 50% of the poll tax if it is a rented property.

[factor-fiction]

Poll tax?

[bongoboy]

oops, i meant council tax.

[Alston]

I think you will find that 'Empty Property' means absolutely empty of all furniture and possessions: including items such as fridges, electric stoves etc.

Al.