Things can work the other way around. A previous landlord of mine, presumably thinking I was still living in the US as I had been planning to, faked a new tenancy agreement to cover a period when otherwise they would have been liable for the council tax. Unfortunately, I am back living in the UK, and was extremely surprised to find myself chased for this council tax. I have now submitted proof of different residence to the council, and hope they will pursue the landlord for every penny. This landlord never refunded my deposit at the time, so this motivates me to look at legal options also.