property letting

[Denise S.]

My son owns a flat, but spends all his time at his girlfriends and he is thinking of moving in with her. He does not want to sell his flat, he wants to let it eventually, but what about the Council Tax, Gas, Electricty, Water, etc. He is not occupying the flat, will he be liable for council tax? He pays his amenities by direct debit, does he cancel these and will he just get a standing charge until a new tenant moves in? Many thanks in advance for any help.

[Kathyan]

If your son lets his property the tenants will be responsible for all bills unless he chooses to include all bills in the rent. We let our house through a letting agent and they did everything for us from finding the tenants, collecting rent, sorting out repairs etc and giving notice when we wanted to return to the property. I would also recommend that he gets some sort of letting insurance (we used Letsure) Worth the payments if the tenants refuse to leave and it covers your son for legal expenses too. Hope this helps.

[Postdog]

Also - and I don't know much about it - but new rules came into effect yesterday where you MAY need a property licence from your council. Your council can advise - failure to get a licence where it's needed could cost you, so check it out..

[themas]

He needs to check with his mortgage lender and insurance company to make sure they are willing for him to let the flat without any change in payments etc.

For Council Tax he may be entitled to some reduction while the flat is empty - needs to check with the local authority. For gas & electricity (& water if on a meter) he needs to get suppliers to reduce the direct debit - not cancel it.

[bellasasha]

you now have to be a registered landlord and you do need a property licence...all bills/council tax/ factor fees should be paid by tennents.