Council tax exemption for landlords?

He says: “Letting Agent Today, an industry publication, reports that the NLA is contacting all councils across the UK in a bid to agree council tax exemptions for landlords whose properties become empty between tenancies.

“Currently, the policy for whether landlords are liable to pay council tax for their unoccupied properties differs across the UK.

“With councils soon to be drafting their budget proposals for the next financial year the NLA is keen to negotiate exemptions for landlords now. The task is being carried out by the NLA’s 37 regional representatives.

“The NLA rightly argue that landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure the home they provide is safe and fit to be occupied and often essential maintenance or even larger scale renovation work may be needed before the property is suitable for new tenants.

“Carolyn Uphill, NLA chair has said: ‘We often hear that more should be done to improve the standard of private rented property, yet councils still insist on making landlords liable for council tax between tenancies which is simply another business cost that the landlord is faced with. The NLA believe that councils must play their part by allowing a reasonable exemption period of council tax. This would demonstrate they are serious about encouraging better standards in the sector and mean landlords won’t rush to re-let their properties without first ensuring they are up to scratch” she says.

Jon adds: “At Fenn Wright we’d welcome a return to the old policy of allowing landlords a period of grace on their council tax bill between lettings, in the meantime we work extremely hard to keep the void periods on our managed properties to a minimum. We also advise clients that are considering works that render the property temporarily uninhabitable to apply for a temporary exemption. If you don’t ask you don’t get.”

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