25% single occupancy - only if tenancy has only one name?

theartfullodger

Dear all SMEs...


I rent out a house to 2 people: The rent is paid regularly and they are good tenants. He works overseas almost all the time, coming home only a few days at a time every now & then. She wants single occupancy council-tax 25% discount: Council (Scottish, Highland) says this will only be granted if the tenancy has only her name on it.

Surely the council is being over-prescriptive and beyond their rights to demand this? I would have expected that as long as she complies with the requirements (as any owner-occupier does) then who's name is on the tenancy is neither her or there?? Any suggestions?

Regards & Thanks in advance..

Lodger

lincroft1710

If it's a joint tenancy, the inference is that the property is a home for 2 people. I don't know what criteria Scottish councils use where someone works abroad but clearly has a UK residence to which he returns.

CIS

Scottish Law will be the same as English Law on this council tax aspect - this property will fall as his sole or main residence therefore a 25% Single Person Discount would not apply.(regardless of one name or two on the tenancy, they would be both liable for the council tax under the current legislation)