Landlords name on council tax

Tee11

Hello, I have a question which I am perplexed by and cannot seem to find that answer to. I am wanting to apply for housing benefit, but I want to know if I can still apply for this while the council tax is in the land lords name. It basically means they are viewed as still living here, but they are actually not physically living here, will this be a problem or will it be ok? Of course I am technically still paying the full council tax, thank you.

[Deleted User]

Tee11 wrote: »

Hello, I have a question which I am perplexed by and cannot seem to find that answer to. I am wanting to apply for housing benefit, but I want to know if I can still apply for this while the council tax is in the land lords name. It basically means they are viewed as still living here, but they are actually not physically living here, will this be a problem or will it be ok? Of course I am technically still paying the full council tax, thank you.

Do you share your accommodation with your landlord? If not, is there a reason why the council tax bill is still in his name and that you haven't yet contacted the council to let them know you are the occupier?

How are you paying the full council tax? Do you pay it directly to the council or is it included with your rent?

theartfullodger

Is this a HMO with individual "room only" tenancies? If so landlord HAS to pay for council tax. There are other circumstances.

HampshireH

!Of course I am technically still paying the full council tax, thank you.

How are you technically paying the full council tax if you aren't actually paying the council the tax?

CIS

Unless the landlord falls liable in law then his name should not be on the council tax bill. There are cases where the landlord is liable for the council tax charge and the tenants can still claim housing benefit but the circumstances would be limited.

What is the present position with the occupancy of the property ?

theartfullodger

If landlord does not live there does he get a lot of post?

Tee11

Basically the landlord who is female btw, she is the cousin of my wife, we was looking for a house to rent and she offered, but she said that she will not change her name on the council tax.

1. I basically pay rent 450 a month separate to the council tax in cash to her.

2. I pay her the cash in council tax 126 quid and she pays the council tax.

When I went to fill out the form (universal credit) it asked for my land lords address, she lives with her mum now and I highly doubt she would give that address.

Is this wrong? Will I be able to claim universal credit? Thank you.

Tee11

Yes the land lord gets the post here and she rings to see what has come through, then she picks it up, so its showing she is still living here but actually not.

Tee11

I pay her in cash in hand every month and she pays it herself.

00ec25

Tee11 wrote: »

I pay her in cash in hand every month and she pays it herself.

then you already know you are facilitating her committing tax evasion

D_M_E

Once the council find out that you are the resident and have been since XX date then they will chase you for any council tax which you have not paid directly to the council.

You should immediately stop handing it to your landlady and tell the council you are the sole occupier and ask, for a start, for the 25% single person discount.

When you have done that then you can fill in correctly the benefits forms you are dealing with.

Consider also shopping your landlady to HMRC - handing over the rent in cash could mean she is doing it on the side without declaring the income and, if HMRC find out, they could chase you for any unpaid tax on her rental income.

That's just for starters - did you give a deposit and if so, was it protected?

Who pays for gas, electric, water, phone/internet etc.?