Landlord wants to take over council tax payments

psychological

Hi All,

My landlord has just advised me they need to move the council tax for the property into their name and I pay them extra rent to cover it.

They have offered to provide a letter or note in the contract that that is the arrangement but for some reason it makes me nervous.

Has anyone encountered this recently (I saw a previous thread on the topic from a few years back), I suspect it has something to do with second homes / and the stamp duty hike in April.

The issue for me is that I'm looking to buy this year too and can imagine it's helpful to have physical evidence of council tax payments / proof of residence.

Pixie5740

It does seem a bit odd that your landlord wants to take over the council tax payments. I'm not sure what it would have to do with the proposed changes with SDLT though. My guess would be that the landlord has a residential mortgage but not consent to let but that's pure speculation. There are lots of ways to prove you live in the property other than council tax bills such as bank statement, electoral register, bank statements.

Ultimately, if you're uncomfortable with it then just say thanks but no thanks and continue paying the council tax yourself.

marksoton

psychological wrote: »

My landlord has just advised me they need to move the council tax for the property into their name and I pay them extra rent to cover it.

Rather than speculating just ask them why.

dazza.mk

If you're renting the whole property generally the responsibility to pay the bill should be yours, so it would be a question as to why he needs to change it?

As to the council tax bill / proof of residency comment, pretty irrelevant, normal proof of residency is taken from the electoral role which is separate to Council Tax.

pmlindyloo

This sounds as rather unusual as liability for council tax is 'fixed'. There are some cases where the landlord would be liable.

So, what tenancy agreement have you? Or are you a lodger?

Do you share your accommodation with anyone?

Please let us know what your living arrangements are and what kind of contract you have then we can comment further.

fairy_lights

psychological wrote: »

My landlord has just advised me they need to move the council tax for the property into their name and I pay them extra rent to cover it.

Why do they 'need' to do that? I'd want a pretty good explanation before even considering it.

psychological

Thanks, yes I've asked the question and it's do with credit apparently, although I have no idea what that means. Having a conversation on the phone today to try and better understand.

I rent the whole property with my other half, standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and I've been there for nearly 4 years, electoral roll, pay all bills etc.

If it won't impact any future plans to buy / my credit rating then I suppose it's not a huge issue, just seems unusual.

PasturesNew

He's up to something .... but you'll never be able to find out what as you can't ask and he'd not give a straight answer anyway .... but he's up to something.

pmlindyloo

psychological wrote: »

Thanks, yes I've asked the question and it's do with credit apparently, although I have no idea what that means. Having a conversation on the phone today to try and better understand.

I rent the whole property with my other half, standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and I've been there for nearly 4 years, electoral roll, pay all bills etc.

If it won't impact any future plans to buy / my credit rating then I suppose it's not a huge issue, just seems unusual.

Based on what you have said you have the liability for council tax as the resident tenant.

Read this:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/tax/council-tax/council-tax/

Therefore the council tax bill will go to you.

You need to ask how the landlord will be paying the bill when you have the liability and would also therefore be responsible for any arrears.

Something strange appears to be going on - you need to get to the bottom of this.

getmore4less

As occupier won't you be top of the list on the councils hit list when it does not get paid.

I don't think someone can buy that obligation off you,

I think if the LL don't pay you would have to sue them after paying the council.

At a push you could have it in his name but still insist on paying it direct not via the the rent/other payment.

fairy_lights

The more I think about this the weirder it seems, I'm really curious now about what your landlord comes up with to explain it! All I can think is that he is for some reason pretending to be living in the property and needs a council tax bill in his name as proof.