£1000 Council tax black hole!

£1000 Council tax black hole!

9:34 AM, 24th March 2016, About 8 years ago 18

Text Size

£1000 council tax bill for my ’empty’ property up for sale for a year, ouch! This really ‘grates’ as one next door on benefits pays nothing and not worked for years! black hole

I assume some of it can be clawed back as an expense but it wouldn’t amount to £1000. I’ve racked my brain trying to find a way out and if I do I will gladly pass it on!

Peter


Share This Article


Comments

Chrisi

17:25 PM, 27th March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Anne Nixon" at "24/03/2016 - 12:29":

I had this problem with the elec and gas meters clocking up daily standing charges when my rental flat was empty. I changed to Ebico who may charge more for the supply of gas/elec, but with no standing charge. Saved me a fortune between tenants. Both my fuels are on card/payment key

Robert M

22:32 PM, 27th March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Gary Dully" at "27/03/2016 - 02:32":

Hi Gary

Chris is right, that is a good summary, and should be sent to all the councillors! - Not sure it will change anything, but it may enlighten one or two of them, as I'm sure they don't see things from this perspective.

Chris Byways

3:41 AM, 28th March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Robert Mellors" at "27/03/2016 - 22:32":

With some (Rightmove type) photos, or streetview pictures of the derelict houses and the 'after' renovation ones would add impact!

Might be picked up by the National press.

But as Robert says, they'd be "No wiser, but vastly better informed".

neils26

11:11 AM, 29th March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Gary Dully" at "27/03/2016 - 02:32":

Excellent summary, Gary. I'm mostly in Oldham/Tameside/Rochdale, which has so far not followed the madness you describe.
But I wouldn't advise anyone to get involved in btl in general, anywhere. It died as a business long ago. If you can get out, do it. If you've got some silly ideas of making a fortune thro btl, you should have started 15-20 years ago.

Gary Dully

20:07 PM, 29th March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "neils26 " at "29/03/2016 - 11:11":

Er, what should we do then instead?
Mind you, saying that, I see the BOE are attempting to spook the industry this afternoon, by increasing stress tests on lending.

Hazel de Kloe

20:37 PM, 29th March 2016, About 8 years ago

I feel your pain with regards the extra charges for empty properties and frankly stupid rulings by certain local authorities. I agree, too, that you need to be really careful where you put your money these days in property. However, there are still places in the UK which stack up well, even with the apparent barrage against the PRS.

When you can still make it work, the long-term benefits still outweigh most short-term hassle factors.

Jay James

20:44 PM, 29th March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "Chrisi Evans" at "27/03/2016 - 17:25":

BRILLIANT

Every landlord should change to Ebico prepaid.

Jim

8:34 AM, 30th March 2016, About 8 years ago

Reply to the comment left by "John Walker" at "24/03/2016 - 16:39":

Hello John,
Re: "I am being obliged to upgrade ceilings in all my flats, except those on the top floors, as the LA are contending they no longer accept a lath and plaster ceiling as providing half hour fire resistance."

I would challenge this through the residential property tribunal, you will have time limits to apply so do it quickly. Providing your lath and plaster ceiling are in good condition ie not bouncy or crumbling loose plaster then my understanding is that this affords half hour fire protection.

Don't accept their statement, challenge them and ask them to provide the new building data that states otherwise. I'll bet that this is just their standard for their wish list. You have little to lose by challenging them. Have you read the LACORS fire safety standard which is a national fire standard for councils to work towards.

Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Tax Planning Book Now