Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
I bought a flat last year and it remained empty for just over 6 months while I refurbed it myself and then searched for a tennant.
Shortly after I took ownership the council sent me a huge bill. I refused to pay on the grounds the property was empty and amazingly they granted me 100% exemption on the basis it was indeed empty.
However, after a six month period I recieved a bill for the following year. I called them to re inform them that it was still empty but they said that the 'empty property exemption' was only valid for 6 months. After that I had to pay 90% of the full rate weather it was empty or not.
There is now a tenant in there who is paying monthly however I am stuck with the bill for the time just before I got the tennant in. Do I have to pay it?
Ideally I dont want to have to pay anything for a property that lay empty.
An empty and un-furnished property is allowed only a 6 month exemption under Council Tax legislation after which the charge would revert to between 0% and 50% discount depending on the Council
One would assume that now I have a tenant in there if it lays empty again for say 2 months while I find another tenant the 6 months starts from the begining again? (the day she leaves)
Council tax on empty property
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