Tenants are stopping paying rent

mackemdave

I post last week that my tenants,students, had gone away over Christmas and didnt leave heating on which has resulted in the property flooding.
The loss adjuster has been out and drawn up an action plan which the let management people are sorting their way through.The letting agents rang me today to say that the tenants are moving out and wont be paying the rent...I can claim this back from insurance.Today they told the agents they will pay the rent upto 1/1/11 which is the day they last visited the property.....They will settle any utility bills that are oustanding...Ive insisted that they pay them upto 1/1/11 as there is likely to be a considerable water bill...As they are students my question is what happens about the council tax they wouldnt have been paying any will I be responsible now that they have moved out
I have told the letting agents that I will not agree to the release of their deposit till everything is sorted as there is likely to be a claim by my neighbours as the property is a semi and water has seeped into their lounge.

As well as the council tax issue is there anything else I should be aware of

Alias_Omega

Dave,

I thought that any unfurnished property was exempt for council tax for a 6 month period, and any day after that, the landlord was responsible for the whole year period. So for 6 months and 1 day, they would have to pay 6 months and 1 day back council tax.

As with furnished property, I believed that council tax was due if the property was furnished.

DVardysShadow

The other thread, for reference https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2965902

mackemdave

It was rented out partly furnished

mackemdave

The letting agents told me that they cannot apply for the return of the deposit to the tenants until I have written to them to say its OK for the tenants to have their deposit returned.

Loss adjuster gave go ahead for de humids to be brought in which has happened today....Got to get like for like quote on the bedroom carpets that have been removed ...Insurance Co have given verbal instructions that everything is covered apart from £50 excess

gazfocus

Alias_Omega wrote: »

Dave,

I thought that any unfurnished property was exempt for council tax for a 6 month period, and any day after that, the landlord was responsible for the whole year period. So for 6 months and 1 day, they would have to pay 6 months and 1 day back council tax.

As with furnished property, I believed that council tax was due if the property was furnished.

Students don't pay Council Tax full stop so you can't pass the cost of Council Tax onto the Students or deduct it from their deposit.

mackemdave

gazfocus wrote: »

Students don't pay Council Tax full stop so you can't pass the cost of Council Tax onto the Students or deduct it from their deposit.

I know they dont pay Council Tax.......While the house is under repair will there be a CT liability...If so why should I pay it,their incompetence caused the damage....They have now walked away,actually staying in a hotel, from the property till its repaired....

Geenie

mackemdave wrote: »

I know they dont pay Council Tax.......While the house is under repair will there be a CT liability...If so why should I pay it,their incompetence caused the damage....They have now walked away,actually staying in a hotel, from the property till its repaired....

When we have had properties empty due to repair we have not had to pay Council Tax for up to 6 months. You must inform them straight away that the house is empty. It really is worth while finding out about local services. If you contact them, you might well find they are very helpful. Ours have certainly been. Keep them informed, as they are not mind readers.