Can I rent a large house as a one bed flat?

Can I rent a large house as a one bed flat?

0:03 AM, 29th June 2023, About 11 months ago 14

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Hello, I have a five-bed eco house on the South Coast we recently put up for sale when our last tenants left. Unfortunately, then the market nose-dived and there has been no interest. The agents tell me this is the case with all of the more expensive properties in the area.

Now, not only are we being badly hit by the lack of rent, but also by the £404 pcm council tax we have to pay as the property is empty. We recently refurbed the house and due to its size, it attracts large families. I want to put it on a short-term let for a single person or couple. The downstairs is a fully self-contained one bed in theory: master suite with en suite. I would be prepared to rent it for a very low rent to get that sort of tenant. The only reason they would have to go upstairs is to turn the emersion heater on, on the odd occasion they don’t have enough solar hot water. The house would remain on the market, we need to sell it within this tax year if at all possible.

My agents are dubious if this is legal, just renting part of what is obviously a whole house. And I wondered what were Property118 readers’ thoughts on the matter.

Thanks,

Gillian


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Comments

RoseD

9:06 AM, 30th June 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by AnthonyG at 29/06/2023 - 13:53Is this a general ruling...or council specific? I've never heard of it and how is it policed?

Ginny Lee

8:39 AM, 1st July 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Oliver Rees at 29/06/2023 - 22:05
Oliver Rees if the tenant does not have exclusive use of all the property it will be classed as a HMO for Council Tax purposes and the owner/landlord will be responsible for the council tax. They will need to rent out the whole property.

Some local authorities do a letting scheme in conjunction with a local housing association where you can rent your property at an affordable rent to a family that is on the council housing waiting list.

pbez64 pbez64

9:43 AM, 1st July 2023, About 11 months ago

Reply to the comment left by RoseD at 30/06/2023 - 09:06
Long term empty property premium been in operation since 1/4/2013. Up to each council to decide if they want to charge it. Changed again a couple of years ago so it can be extra 100% after 2, 200% after 5 and 300% after 10 years. Some don't charge it depending on reason house been unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for period. Premium.only applies to unoccupied and substantially unfurnished properties only.

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