Feel so stupid - CT

top_drawer_2

I feel so stupid and angry. I moved into a flat on the 15th March and have had nothing but trouble ever since as the EA lied and lied throughout the viewing.

I was told when I viewed the property that there would be a washer included and it would be plumbed and it took me a month of refusing to back down and arguing, putting up with the endless tripe (i.e excuses) that the caretaker who is related to someone at the LA throws at me about why they cant provide what they promised.

When I viewed the EA said the CT was included in the rent as council bills them as a house of multiple occupancy and so it along with all the other bills is included with the rent.

Yesterday I received my council tax which I mentioned to someone else who lives in the block (and is good friends with the caretaker) and he is adamant that its tenant responsiility to pay this and its not included in the rent. I vividlY remember what the LA said on the day and even at the contract signing when I went to the office I pointed out on the contract that the contract stated that I was responsible for the water and CT and she said yes thats because this is just a general contract for all our lets, dont worry everyones rent in the block accounts for these charges.

I cant call the office because its a Bank Holiday but it seems likely Im not going to be ale to do much about it. I know from looking at many other flats and my budget that I am going to struggle to pay on my variale £6.96 p/h Support Worker wages:

£360 pcm rent
£90 ct
Electricity (billed quarterly and not arrived yet)
Phone £15 a month (o2 PAYG rolling month contract with free minutes)
Dongle (as above with Three)
Travel (to and from work - £3.20 a shift)
+ food £15-20 a week usually less as eat at work often, guinea pigs (£5 a week).

I just cant face moving back into a shared house as I struggled so much with living with other people and the nil rights I have + difficult and greedy LL - this doesnt seem to vary much I have found. Thanks for listening I have been distraught for much of the morning thinking how Im going to manage. I honestly thought things were beginning to look up for me this past couple of days as I have applied to do a PTTLL's course in the hope of eventually being afford to do a CELTA/TESOL.

Thanks again,

G_M

1) is it a HMO? If so, the landlord is responsible for CT.

2) Have you read your tenancy agreement? What does it say about bills? Utilities? council tax?

CIS

) is it a HMO? If so, the landlord is responsible for CT.

Only if its a Council Tax HMO - not always the same as a licensed HMO.

For confirmation - What is the status of the property ?, are the sole occupier of a self contained flat or do you rent a room only ?.

CIS

Have you checked to see if the property has been banded individually ? -
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/diol1/doitonline/dg_4017252

sandsni

Slightly off-topic, but do you work full time or part time? It might be worth enquiring about Tax Credits to see if you qualify as that might top up your income a little.

DVardysShadow

top_drawer wrote: »

I vividlY remember what the LA said on the day and even at the contract signing when I went to the office I pointed out on the contract that the contract stated that I was responsible for the water and CT and she said yes thats because this is just a general contract for all our lets, dont worry everyones rent in the block accounts for these charges.

You was mugged. If someone tells you that the truth is different from what is in the agreement, then get them to change the agreement. If they won't then they are telling porkies.

Sorry, you have not a leg to stand on.

top_drawer_2

sandsni wrote: »

Slightly off-topic, but do you work full time or part time? It might be worth enquiring about Tax Credits to see if you qualify as that might top up your income a little.

I work on a zero hour contract - typical for the place I work and despite having job searched at length have had no luck. This week I have worked over 50 hours, the week before last 20 hours.

DVardysShadow wrote: »

You was mugged. If someone tells you that the truth is different from what is in the agreement, then get them to change the agreement. If they won't then they are telling porkies.

Sorry, you have not a leg to stand on.

Thanks, very helpful.

G_M wrote: »

1) is it a HMO? If so, the landlord is responsible for CT.

2) Have you read your tenancy agreement? What does it say about bills? Utilities? council tax?

I was under the impression that it was, but I only have the word of the LA who showed me around.

I have looked at my agreement, it states utilities, water and council tax payable by the tenant, as I said she stated this was because its just a general agreement. This is not unusual in renting I have found, my last three places (shared houses) and the contracts were the same but it was all included in the rent.

top_drawer_2

CIS wrote: »

Have you checked to see if the property has been banded individually ? -
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/diol1/doitonline/dg_4017252

Just checked using the link you have provided and its showing as being banded individually, i.e Studio 2, a-b xxx Street. Does this make a difference?

CIS wrote: »

Only if its a Council Tax HMO - not always the same as a licensed HMO.

For confirmation - What is the status of the property ?, are the sole occupier of a self contained flat or do you rent a room only ?.

How do I find out whether its a council tax banded HMO?

Im unsure how to verify the status of the property, I am the sole occupier of a self contained flat i.e shared entrance hallway but my own kitchen, bathroom etc.

Thanks everyone for any advice.

Has anyone any ideas on the banding for HB and CT? HB have written to say I am no longer entitled to receive anything towards HB and hence have become liable for CT too. Thanks

CIS

Just checked using the link you have provided and its showing as being banded individually, i.e Studio 2, a-b xxx Street. Does this make a difference?

It means the council are aware of each individual flat.

Im unsure how to verify the status of the property, I am the sole occupier of a self contained flat i.e shared entrance hallway but my own kitchen, bathroom etc.

I'd be pretty certain it isn't a Council Tax HMO and therefore you, as the occupier, are liable for any monies due. You need to ensure that your name is put on the Council Tax account as the person liable for the Council Tax.

caeler

What a nightmare situation to be in, I'm sure you feel very let down by the EA. I don't have any experience but from what I've read on here tells me that the one thing you don't get in debt with is council tax. I'm sure if you call up explain the situation they may be generous in offering a payment plan. Good luck and I hope you get it all sorted.

fluffymuffy

top_drawer wrote: »

...guinea pigs (£5 a week).

We have two guinea pigs. This time of year they're very cheap to maintain - I just give them heaps of grass and dandelion leaves. I still buy the dried food but they don't eat much of it with all the free greens they're getting. I also get free veg for them from the bin round the back of the market (ask first).