Three year Council Tax bill?
My friend had tenants in a property for three years, but they did not pay any council tax during that time. The council said that he should have sent the Assured Tenancy Agreement to them and that they were not aware any tenants were living in the property. He ended up paying £8,000 in Council Tax!
I was very surprised by the council’s stance as I never thought the landlord was responsible for tenants bills, be it council tax or utilities.
I have a couple of properties and I do inform the council, gas, water and electricity providers, but I never get a confirmation so I am now a little concerned. Could the council do the same to me?
Many thanks
Sash
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Purchasing land in personal or Ltd company name
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 24
1:26 PM, 21st February 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Robert Mellors at 21/02/2019 – 11:01
Apparently, you cannot amend an existing tenancy ( but can increase the rent ), so we simply add the ‘contractual’ clause to all new tenancies similar to David’s above.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1311 - Articles: 10
1:29 PM, 21st February 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Richard of York at 21/02/2019 – 13:26
Ahh, I see, then I guess the only option would be offering the tenant a new 6 month AST.
Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 24
5:35 PM, 21st February 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Robert Mellors at 21/02/2019 – 13:29
Yes, can’t wait for a tenant on one of the new tenancies to leave after the fixed term and then have some fun with the council!
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1434
8:28 PM, 27th February 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Richard of York at 20/02/2019 – 09:37
The tenant is liable for council tax to the end of the tenancy IF the contract says so.
However, if there is a spt, then the council cannot pursue the T for council tax for the period after T vacates and has to (by law) pursue the LL.
The LL can then pursue the T for the council tax payment (via deposit or the courts)