Splitting the council tax bill

Pink_elephants_n_lemonade

Hi,

I hope I have the right forum. I'm after some advice about splitting the cost of my council tax bill & hope somebody can help.

I rent a property privately with one other person & both our names are on the council tax bill (joint tenants - monthly installments).

I'd now like to pay my half of the council tax bill directly to the council, rather than giving it to the other tenant & having them pay the full amount. I contacted the council but they can't set up a direct debit for anything other than the full amount. They suggested a standing order & also said:

I must however stress that you would still be liable for the rest of that months Council Tax. I can see that that sounds unfair in your circumstance, but that is the law laid down by Central Government not the local Authority.

Does that just mean that if the other tenant doesn't pay their share, then I'd still be liable? I think my only option is to set up a standing order for my half each month & have them do the same. Unless anyone has any other suggestions?

Thank you

BlushingRose

Pink_elephants_n_lemonade wrote: »

Does that just mean that if the other tenant doesn't pay their share, then I'd still be liable?

Yep, I'm afraid so.
Why are you wanting split it? Are there doubts that your flatmate isn't paying it all in-spite of the fact that you're giving them your half??

mrsb83_2

Yes, you are both responsible for the entire amount. Paying half monthly doesn't mean that you'll have paid all you should.

If you don't trust your flatmate I would actually ask them to pay the money to you, and you pay the CT, so at least you will know if there are arrears.

Pink_elephants_n_lemonade

Thanks

I want to split it for my own peace of mind really. They've lied about money in the past & kept money that I've given them for bills, etc, so I'd rather not have to go through them if necessary. Plus, we're not really on speaking terms any more, so I'd rather just pay my share of the bills directly.

DominicJ_2

Everyone on the bill is jointly and serialy liable for the bill.
There is no "your half".

Paying your half direct to the council stops your flat mate stealing your half, but if they dont pay their half, you are liable for it.

Most will let you pay online, I whack mine on my credit card as an online payment and get 1% cashback.

mrsb83_2

Pink_elephants_n_lemonade wrote: »

Thanks

I want to split it for my own peace of mind really. They've lied about money in the past & kept money that I've given them for bills, etc, so I'd rather not have to go through them if necessary. Plus, we're not really on speaking terms any more, so I'd rather just pay my share of the bills directly.

I understand, but there is no peace of mind. There is no split, and even proving to the council that you have paid 50% will not stop them from pursuing you for unpaid CT. Move out as soon as you can!

HappyMJ

Pink_elephants_n_lemonade wrote: »

Thanks

I want to split it for my own peace of mind really. They've lied about money in the past & kept money that I've given them for bills, etc, so I'd rather not have to go through them if necessary. Plus, we're not really on speaking terms any more, so I'd rather just pay my share of the bills directly.

You could ask that the landlord pay it and charge you each more rent but you did say you were joint tenants so your tenancy wouldn't be seen as a HMO so the landlord doesn't have to agree to that. Landlords of HMO's usually pay the council tax.

You could insist on getting the money from your joint tenant and paying it in full yourself rather than you giving the money to them.

If it's really that bad with your joint tenant then hand in your notice and move somewhere else.

RAS

Op

Ask the other tenant to give you the money and pay on-line.

When does your fixed term end?