Council Tax Empty Properties
Frequently Asked Questions
I own a property that has been left empty and I do not qualify for a discount, what will I be charged?
If the property is not your only or main residence and is empty, you will be required to pay 100% of the Council Tax charge.
When the property is unfurnished and remains empty for over 24 months a Long Term Empty charge will apply.
You will be required to pay 200% of the Council Tax charge. This applies even if you have not owned the property for 24 months, you will still be liable for the charge if it is still empty and has been empty under a previous owner.
The Empty Property charge from 01 April 2021 is as follows:
Length of time empty Amount of Council Tax payable
Up to 24 months 100%
Empty for less than 5 years 200%
Empty between 5 and 10 years 300%
Empty for 10 years or more 400%
I have moved to a new address but have not yet sold my old property, Can I apply for any reduction?
There is no exemption or discount available for unoccupied properties and they are subject to a 100% charge.
What will I have to pay if I buy a second home?
If the property is furnished and another property in England or Wales is your main residence, there is no exemption or discount and you will be required to pay 100% of the Council Tax charge.
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 and part of the property is being rented, the owner 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.
If the tenant vacates the property, they remain liable for the Council tax until the lease/rental agreement has expired, at which time the owner becomes liable for Council Tax at the full 100% charge.
My property is in need of structural repairs and uninhabitable, will I be entitled to any reduction?
There is no exemption or discount available for properties undergoing structural repair. The owner can appeal to the Valuation Office Agency to request the property be removed from tax, further information can be found at
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/council-tax-domestic-properties-in-disrepair-or-derelict/council-tax-domestic-properties-which-are-in-disrepair-or-are-derelict
The Valuation Office Agency can be contacted on-line at https://www.gov.uk/contact-voa
By telephone between 9.00am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. 03000 501501
How can I report an empty property?
The Council has an empty property strategy and aims to reduce the number of residential
properties standing empty to a minimum. If you are aware of any empty properties
in the Borough, please use the contact details below to notify us.
Who to contact
0161 342 2015
counciltax@tameside.gov.uk