You must apply within 6 months of the property being empty.
You'll need to show a copy of charitable objects.
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Empty property exemption
You do not have to pay Council Tax on certain types of empty property.
The full Council Tax amount is charged for empty properties unless they're exempt.
Extra charge for empty homes
If a property has been empty for at least 1 year, an extra amount (premium) will be added to the Council Tax bill at the beginning of the next tax year.
A premium significantly increases the amount of Council Tax due for that property. This is to help bring empty properties back into use.
The premium amount dependant on the length of time the property is empty for:
- 2 years will double the Council Tax amount (100%)
- 5 years will triple the amount (200%)
- 10 years or more and the amount will increase by 4 times (300%)
Check if you have to pay
You may not have to pay depending on the type of property and who last lived in it.
If you're eligible, we'll send you a new bill. You must keep making payments until we decide. These will be taken off the new bill.
You must tell us about any changes within 21 days.
Eligible properties
Empty property owned by a charity
Property owner is in prison or detained under the Mental Health Act
You'll need to show confirmation from the place of detention.
Property owner is being cared for away from home
For example they may be:
- in a residential care home or hospital
- receiving personal care because of disability, illness, mental illness, or alcohol or drug dependence
You'll need to show confirmation from a hospital, care home or doctor.
The letter should show:
- the name and address of the patient
- who is providing care
- why the person needs to live elsewhere to receive care
Property owner has died
You must apply within 6 months from the date of probate.
You'll need to show a copy of the death certificate. You can find related information about registering a death.
Property owner is providing care elsewhere
You'll need to show a doctor’s letter with the reason why the person needs to be living elsewhere to receive care.
The letter should show the name and address of the patient and the person providing care.
Property has been repossessed
You'll need to show a letter from a financial institution confirming possession.
Property is empty because occupation is illegal
You'll need to show a copy of the prohibition order.
You're bankrupt and no longer living at the property
You'll need to show a copy of a bankruptcy order and proof of your new address.
Your caravan pitch or boat mooring is unoccupied
No proof is required.
Annexe (part of an occupied property) is empty and cannot be let separately
You'll need to show a copy of the planning restriction.
Check for other discounts
You may be able to apply for other discounts or exemptions, such as:
-
Council Tax Reduction if you're on low income or claim benefits