LaughingGirl, thanks. I'm going to talk to him about it and see if he has any other plan. If not, your suggestion seems like a good idea.

Ah, good point about proof of address and parking. Hadn't thought of that. I suddenly feel so fortunate to have ended up in this forum....

Thanks for that question! I'm going to raise it with him since of course it's incredibly important to make sure that is sorted before he leaves...

Thanks for that information about the electoral roll - good to know that it doesn't seem connected to the council tax registration. Our draft tenancy agreement does state that I will pay the council tax to him, but I also understand that if there are any problems with him paying I will ultimately be liable for it. I think I can risk that given my sense that he's a trustworthy person. I guess it's ultimately a leap of faith. If he pays his mortgage and the council tax, everything will be fine. If he doesn't, there might be problems. I just wonder if his breach of the mortgage terms have any implications for my tenancy agreement with him and whether his lack of landlord insurance will somehow invalidate my content insurance... Thanks again

Hi, I have found a nice house that I'd like to rent. The landlord is going abroad for a year and has asked me to pay the council tax and bills directly to him. I understand that this is not commonly done and have a few questions I'm hoping someone can help me answer: 1. I suspect that the landlord has not received permission from his mortgage lender to rent out the house and that that's the reason for not wanting to allow me to pay the council tax in my name. If that is the case, how would this affect my rights as tenants? In other words, if he is not allowed to rent out will my tenancy agreement with him be valid should problems arise between him and his lender? 2. In the event of a fire or a break-in, will our contents insurance be valid if the overall building insurance isn't valid because the landlords failed to obtain permission from their lender? 3. Can I be listed on the electoral roll if I'm not registered as an occupant at the address (e.g., through paying council tax in my name)? Would a lease agreement be sufficient for this purpose? Does the electoral roll office and council sync their data? I was ready to sign the agreement but I now feel nervous about the implications of this. The landlord seems very nice and honest, but I would also understand if he is trying to avoid getting permission since it might increase his mortgage. The question is how it affects my rights as a tenant and whether it's risky for me to go along with this arrangement... Thanks for any insight or advice you might have!