Council Tax Liability After Death But Before Probate Issued

FAB

My mother died a couple of months ago. My sister and I are the beneficiaries of her will but we have not processed probate yet. My family and I are buying a house which has been delayed and we will need to stay in my mum’s house for a couple of weeks until we exchange. I was wondering what we need to do about council tax? Are we liable even if we’re only staying in the house for a couple of weeks? I feel we should tell the council but I was also wondering how they would know if we don’t say anything. Thank you.

Tigsteroonie

What have you done about the Council Tax on the property since your Mum died - have the Council agreed to waive it for a period because the house is empty?

FAB

Thanks for your reply. My mum was living in a care home and as the house was unoccupied we notified the council and did not have to pay council tax.

CIS

A Class F exemption applies until probate is granted if the property is unoccupied - one period of up to 6 weeks grace is allowed where occupancy is ignored.
Strictly speaking this is intended for parties whilst clearing the property out etc but the actual legislation does not state the purpose of the occupancy.