Student and non-student in same property conundrum?
2 years ago | 12 comments
Bristol City Council charging double council tax during voids?
9:52 AM, 16th October 2025, 6 months ago
28
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Bristol City Council (BCC) are now doubling the cost of council tax (CT) charged to landlords for the amount due between tenancy end and new tenancy commencement.
The bill I received yesterday showed the rateable amount plus a second line with the heading: 100% charge for second home.
I rang immediately to query this. I was told this is the new rule for this tax year.
I protested, saying the place, 3 miles from my home, certainly wasn’t a holiday home of any sort! It’s a small student HMO and always has been since I bought it in 2007.
I was then directed to a place on the BCC website where you can apply for an exemption for the extra charge (but with no guarantee you’ll get it).
The citizen advisor/call handler said if you don’t apply or aren’t successful with the exemption, the bill stands.
So watch out, everyone! If you get a bill the same as me, challenge it.
The loss-making BCC (£1.22m in debt) are very much hoping you won’t do that and will just cough up.
Has anyone else experienced this with any other council?
Thanks,
Lord of the Manor
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Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
10:07 AM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Clearly they want landlords to sell up.
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 360
10:15 AM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Paying 2 times for less services than others in compatible properties pay.
How is it not illegal!
Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 365
10:39 AM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Yes, just a money spinner for Councils under the cover of reducing homelessness by trying to force empty properties into use. It is people who use Council Services not properties. In a fair world an empty property should attract no or reduced council tax as it is not having the bins collected, let alone using the library or leisure centre, or claiming housing benefit.
Member Since June 2018 - Comments: 20
10:51 AM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Our cowardly government has given councils this discretionary power after squeezing budgets. Wandsworth is one of the many councils giving it a go during voids, even with long-term known landlords. I just paid the normal amount, and received a confirmation statement that my balance was zero, ie fully paid. Now they are trying to claim that a studio flat 10 minutes from my 3 bedroom property is a second home. I suspect the government’s folly could ultimately land councils in court, where this nonsense will be thrown out once and for all.
Member Since August 2018 - Comments: 158
11:19 AM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
In future, you could try making the start date of new tenancies follow on immediately from the end date of the previous student tenancy. This is usually reasonably easy to organise with students who have predictable periods at the university.
By the way – you mentioned that Bristol is £1.22m in debt. I think you might have put the decimal point much too far to the left. A bit like the Green/Labour council really……
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 222
12:25 PM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Suppose I should think myself lucky Hartlepool wait a year before doubling it. Back to 1 x when its advertised again.
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 70
12:33 PM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Im not certain, but i think the legislation doesnt allow them to charge double if youcan show it is being advertised as available to rent…. £29 on Open Rent is a lot cheaper (im not connected with open rent)
Member Since June 2018 - Comments: 20
12:45 PM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Tim Peters at 16/10/2025 – 12:33
I think you may be right Tim. It doesn’t help if the property is being refurbished though, unless perhaps it is advertised as being available at a future date.
Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 70
1:01 PM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Richard Dean at 12:45
I dont think a future date helps aa it is not technically available to rent.
I agree about refurbs… Its ironic that the councils want to improve standards in the housing stock but are happy to whack landlords with double council tax whilst they are doing the work.
I think the best chance of an exemption is if the property is not fit for habitation. No landlord wants to lose money by having a property empty, but this is just more nonsense from Rachel in Accounts. 🙄
Member Since June 2018 - Comments: 20
1:32 PM, 16th October 2025, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Tim Peters at 16/10/2025 – 13:01
Spot on Tim.