Council Tax/Repossession

[funinthesun63]

Hi

 

 

I am a BTL Landlord who got into arrears. I received a letter from Mortgage Company in June 2014 stating that the Court papers were being processed in order to repossess the property. The property at that time was vacant and after this revelation I thought it wise not to advertise for another tenant.

 

 

I must also state that I am an overseas resident. I finally received a repossession order in March 2016.

My problem is that I have been charged for Council Tax for the period between June 2014 and April 2016. I have told the CT dept but they say I must pay.

 

 

Any advise would be most welcome.

[mikeymack2002]

Did you make a change of circumstances to your LA on the date you moved out or within a reasonable period of time? If so did you keep a copy of the letter email and its receipt?

[AndyOrch]

You still have to pay council tax on empty properties.

 

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/second-homes-and-empty-properties

[funinthesun63]

Did you make a change of circumstances to your LA on the date you moved out or within a reasonable period of time? If so did you keep a copy of the letter email and its receipt?

Yes I informed The LA of the circumstances after it was clear I would not be able to re-let.

[funinthesun63]

You still have to pay council tax on empty properties.

 

https://www.gov.uk/council-tax/second-homes-and-empty-properties

I am aware of this but 21 months is a long time for a property to stay empty before repossession!!

[AndyOrch]

I don't think the Council are concerned whether its being repossessed ...vacant or not.As per the above link it can be at the discretion of the council on a case by case...

[funinthesun63]

As I live in Spain are they likely to chase me for the Council Tax?

[AndyOrch]

As I live in Spain are they likely to chase me for the Council Tax?

 

How much roughly is outstanding?

[funinthesun63]

Nearly two and a half thousand.

[AndyOrch]

I would try to set up some kind of payment plan...I'm sure you can negotiate it to suit you:wink:

[ss002d6252]

From the date of repossession a Class L exemption can be applied however prior to that it would be treat simply as an un-occupied property and any applicable charge would be due (depending on what the local council does for an empty property).