Council Tax Empty Properties

Frequently Asked Questions

• I have moved to a new address but have not yet sold my old property, Can I apply for any reduction?
• What will I have to pay if I buy a second home?
• If I owned a property and decided to rent it to a tenant, who would be responsible for the council tax?
• My property is in need of structural repairs and uninhabitable, will I be entitled to any reduction?
• Who to contact?

I have moved to a new address but have not yet sold my old property, Can I apply for any reduction?

If the property you have vacated is unfurnished you may be entitled to claim an exemption for up to six months (An exemption means that there is no charge for this period), after six months has lapsed you will be liable for 50% of the charge on that property. If the property remains furnished you will be entitled to a 50% discount from the date you vacated until such time as the property is sold or becomes occupied. Use the on-line form to apply.

What will I have to pay if I buy a second home?

If you have a second home or holiday home you will be entitled to claim a 50% discount providing that no one is residing there. If someone is resident in the property and they are over 18 years old they will be liable for Council Tax. Full Council Tax will remain payable at the property which you consider to be your sole or main residence.

If I owned a property and decided to rent it to a tenant, who would be responsible for the council tax?

If the owner resides in the property being rented they will remain liable for the Council Tax. If the owner does not live in the property the tenant will become liable for the Tax until such time as their lease/rental agreement ceases. Once the tenant has vacated and the lease/rental agreement has expired, the owner becomes liable for Council Tax. If it remains furnished then a 50% discount will apply. If the property is unfurnished then an exemption will apply for the first six months and then a 50% charge will apply.

My property is in need of structural repairs and uninhabitable, will I be entitled to any reduction?

You may be entitled to an exemption for up to 12 months providing the property is in need of major structural repairs and the property is unoccupied and unfurnished. You will need to supply documentary evidence such as a builder's schedule of works or surveyors report showing what repairs are required to render the property habitable. The length of time an exemption can be awarded is dependent on the type of repairs required to make the property habitable. The Authority can only award a maximum of 12 months exemption in these cases, then a 50% charge is due for the property.

If the property is likely to exceed the maximum 12 months then the owner can appeal to the Valuation Office Agency to request that the property be removed from tax.

Who to contact

If you live in Ashton or Mossley:
0161 342 2015 0161342 2012 Send a Message to Ashton/Mossley Council Tax Team

If you live in Denton or Dukinfield:
0161342 2099 0161 342 2012 Send a Message to Denton/Dukinfield Council Tax Team

If you live in Audenshaw, Hyde or Longdendale:
0161 342 2065 0161342 2012 Send a Message to Audenshaw/Hyde/Longdendale Council Tax Team

If you live in Droylsden or Stalybridge:
0161 342 2080 0161342 2012 Send a Message to Droylsden/Stalybridge Council Tax Team