You may get a discount if no-one lives in the property.
Unoccupied and unfurnished dwellings
A discount of 100% will be awarded for one month in respect of an unoccupied and unfurnished dwelling. A discount of 25% will follow for five months where the dwelling remains unoccupied and unfurnished with a 100% charge thereafter.
Long Term Empty Properties
If the dwelling remains unoccupied and unfurnished for more than two years then a charge of 200% will be payable. From 01 April 2020, if the dwelling has been empty for longer than 5 years, then a charge of 300% of the council tax will be payable. From 01 April 2021, if the dwelling has been empty for longer than 10 years, then a charge of 400% of the council tax will be payable.
Please note that the above discounts are applied to the property regardless of who is liable for council tax - the discounts do not restart when the liable person changes.
Unoccupied dwelling due to a death
A property is exempt from council tax if it is now unoccupied and was previously occupied by a person who has died. This is providing that the property is still the responsibility of the deceased person's estate (please note that if the property is rented the exemption will only last until the tenancy ceases). There will be no council tax payable in respect of the property whilst you are waiting for probate to be granted. You may also be eligible for an exemption lasting up to six months after probate has been granted.
If you are handling the affairs of someone who has passed away, please contact us. The information we need is:
• The name and address of the deceased
• The date of death
• The name and address of the executor(s) of the person's estate
• Date of probate if it has been granted
• Whether anyone remains resident in the property
• If the property was owned or rented by the deceased person
If the property was not owned by the deceased or was rented
• The name and address of the owner of the property, and whether it was let on a furnished or unfurnished basis
• The date the deceased person's tenancy for the property will cease
Based on the above information we will be able to determine the correct charge that is due for the property. Remember you must let us know when probate is granted or if probate is not applicable.
Unoccupied and furnished dwellings
A discount in respect of an unoccupied and furnished dwelling which is no one's sole or main residence is 10%.
Dwellings in need of structural repair
An unoccupied dwelling which requires major structural alterations or repairs may be awarded a discount of 25% after we have assessed eligibility. This discount will end when alterations or repairs have been completed, the property becomes occupied or upon expiry of twelve months, whichever is the sooner.
For further information on discounts available and how to apply, please contact us