Thanks for your response. Calling the Council offices I got two responses: First was that it shouldn't be allowed. Second was that it does happen, but if it doesn't get paid then the liability is with the tenant and we'd have to sue the LL. To be honest we're quite desperate to get a place sorted and I've requested getting everything in writing, and have asked to receive monthly confirmation of CT and water rate payment. I mentioned that I will be registering myself on the electoral roll, and that any info the council might need should be directed to LL. Is this a relatively safe position to be in?

Hey there, Three friends and I are planning to move into a four bed flat in the next couple of weeks. The move is being organised by an estate agent. To secure the property we put a holding deposit down on the weekend, and were in the process of getting references together. Earlier this week the estate agent informed us that the landlord would cover payment of water rates, but that they also wanted to keep their name on the Council Tax bills and would take the repsonsibility to pay them, whilst slightly increasing the rent to be agreed in the tenancy agreement in order to cover the CT. Is it legal for our names not to be registered for council tax at the address? What is the situation if/when we register on the electoral roll? thanks