Council Tax houseshare dispute

ldntom

I've been living in a shared house for 3 years, my previous housemate was in charge of paying the bills and then when he moved out they were transferred to me. Before he left we cleared up the final months bills and I paid my share to him. I've now received an email from my council claiming that I am liable for arrears as he hasn't paid the last months council tax. I tried to explain that he was in charge of bills and all my rent and bills were paid to him.


Is there anything that I can do as my old housemate doesn't live in the UK anymore?

hallowitch

unfortunately council tax is Joint and several liability which mean you are both liable for the debt the council can pursue one or both of you

your personal arrangement with other Tennant's does not come into it

ldntom

is there anything I can do to prove that I paid my portion of this amount?

antonic

What you paid as your share is irrelevant as you are BOTH joint & severally liable for this debt.

As you have found out (to your cost) because he is no longer around YOU are now responsible for the whole debt.

Please start discussing with the council about how to repay this debt BEFORE they start taking enforcement action to obtain payment.

00ec25

ldntom wrote: »

is there anything I can do to prove that I paid my portion of this amount?

You are not understanding this

You are legally liable for the whole amount outstanding, the fact you paid your “share” is utterly irrelevant. Each and every tenant is legally liable for the WHOLE bill, the fact that you divide it up amongst yourselves does not alter that legal position. If the bill has not been settled in full then the council has the legal right to chase any and every tenant to get them to settle the bill in full

The council has the power to take you to court for the outstanding amount if you do not pay it. The fact that you gave your share to your ex housemate and they did not pay the council is a problem between you and the ex housemate. The council has no interest in such a dispute but they do have an interest and the power to force you to pay up and the only thing you could do then is to take legal action against your ex housemate to recover your share and that is not gonna happen is it given they are abroad.

HappyMJ

You will need to take your ex-housemate to court to recover the money. As he isn't in the UK you will find that difficult.

CIS

I pretty much echo the advice given above, the council (and legislation) aren't interested in any personal agreement you had with the joint tenant to pay the council tax charge.

You need to speak with the council to discuss payment and pursue the other party, if you wish, via the civil courts.