Just wondering.

[Craftypig]

If you were to own an empty property would it still be liable for council tax?

[Buenchico]

Quotes:
"There are limits on how long empty homes won't be charged Council Tax:

unfurnished homes where no one lives are exempt for up to six months

homes undergoing major repair work or structural changes (eg rebuilding walls and floors) are exempt for up to 12 months

homes where the owner has died are exempt for up to six months after probate is granted (your legal right to sell the home)

After this time, the property may qualify for an empty homes discount.

Some homes are exempt for as long as they remain empty. They include homes:
of someone in prison (except for not paying a fine or Council Tax)
of someone who has moved into a care home or hospital
that have been repossessed
that cannot be lived in by law
that are kept empty because they have been compulsory purchased and so will be demolished"

AND:
"Homes that have been empty and unfurnished for longer than six months may get an empty homes discount of up to 50 per cent."

Source:
http://www.direct.gov...ouncilTax/DG_10037422

[tamborine]

Yes, but you can request free time for repairs

[Craftypig]

Cheers Buenchico........Do you know the answer to this question then.
Suppose you were renting a property out and the residents hadn't been paying the council tax could the council turn round and ask for the money from you as the owner, even though you didnt live in the property?

[Buenchico]

No. The owner is only responsible for paying the Council Tax if the property is a 'house in multiple occupation'. (That liability exists irrespective of whether the tenants are paying their rent or not).

[tamborine]

Yes, the property owner is responsible for unpaid council tax; well I was when my tenants defaulted. However, as I gave a forwarding address for the tenants the council chased them & refunded me.

[Craftypig]

Thanks for all the answers peeps....

[shoota]

Yes, but at a reduced rate.
They have the facility to allow a period of tax free grace if you inherit a house that you don't live in but I think that is for only 1 year.

[shoota]

(Thinks.....) 'Must remember to scroll down before typing.....