Call for council tax relief on empty landlord properties
The NRLA are calling on Ministers to instruct local authorities that they should not charge council tax on rented homes left empty because of the coronavirus.
A significant number of rented homes have been left empty because tenants have been unable to take up tenancies, or have chosen to move out to be closer to family during the lockdown. During this period landlords will become liable for the council tax on the property and have no realistic prospect of finding new tenants.
The National Residential Landlords Association is asking the Government to tell councils that they should exempt houses have been left empty as a result of the virus from council tax demands.
A recent survey by the NRLA found that 41% of landlords are concerned about having to cover the unexpected costs of utility bills and council tax.
Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, said: “It is manifestly unfair for landlords to be asked to pay council tax on properties which are empty, and likely to remain so, because of the impact of the pandemic. Whilst we remain supportive of the measures taken so far by the Government, landlords are being asked to absorb more costs at a time when they are least able.
“Unlike most small businesses and the self-employed, there has been no direct support package announced for landlords. Removing this unnecessary burden would at least help those landlords who are struggling to cope with drastically reduced income.”
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Save The Date - 29th April 2020 @ 7pm
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 1121
11:54 AM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Government needs to get a grip of this. I think all LAs have decided not to grant exemption as if they do they can’t claim it back off government. Do a Valuation Tribunal Claim online at https://www.valuationtribunal.gov.uk/forms/appeal-forms/
Member Since April 2015 - Comments: 468
12:00 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Has anyone requested exemption with Croydon Council? Thanks for the write up Gary, I will be sending a letter to my council as I have several properties empty at present
Member Since September 2014 - Comments: 277
12:12 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
I’ve disliked councils for many years considering the wage the top C’s earn! Now with £30,0000 – unlimited fines coming in, they’re stuck for cash, poor things. Now, is the time to write to the government housing minister to complain about this, it may save you a lot of money one day! Strength in numbers, do it now.
Member Since June 2017 - Comments: 55
1:02 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
I have an empty property in Oxfordshire, will contact the Council to see what they have to say.
Member Since September 2019 - Comments: 15
1:04 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
I have an empty property in Gloucester, they gave me25% empty discount for 6 months only, pretty standard, Seff edf ms wrong in current climate
Comments: 12
5:44 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
I, probably like many other LL’s, am reluctant to inform Greenwich (or any other) council to avoid double taxation.
This is just another facet of this government’s disregard and disrespect of the PRS.
I only hope the newly formed NRLA now has some real muscle to influence the government to make sensible changes rather than to to be just a sounding board for Landlords.
Like everything else, just have to wait and see.
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 49 - Articles: 2
6:05 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Gary Nock at 24/04/2020 – 12:32
I’ve sent this draught to a senior council tax officer at Walsall to get his thoughts on it. I’ve got two empty properties of my own there.
Thanks Gary
Member Since June 2013 - Comments: 1121
6:20 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Lyndon Whitehouse at 27/04/2020 – 18:05
Thanks Lyndon. Would be interesting to see what he says before I go to Valuation Tribunal.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3550 - Articles: 5
7:46 PM, 27th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Pinging an email off to Torbay Council asking for an exemption as outlined by Gary. Fingers crossed.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 308
11:19 AM, 28th April 2020, About 6 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Kincavel at 27/04/2020 – 17:44
Don’t they contact you when the tenant leaves? That’s my experience with the Cornish and Pembroke Councils and they’re pretty quick off the mark!