Probably a stupid question...

Rondoten10

Just bought a house but tenancy overlaps by about a month and a half.

Do we still need to pay council tax if we're not living at the rented property?

Slithery

Possibly.
Are you in a fixed term or rolling tenancy?

Rondoten10

fixed term till the end of may

AdrianC

Yes, you do. You still have a valid tenancy, so you are still top of the chain responsible for paying CT on it.

davidmcn

You're still responsible for the council tax. You might be entitled to relief if the property is unoccupied and unfurnished, but I think such policies vary from council to council, so you'd need to check.

princeofpounds

Depends on the council, but I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, as you are still occupying the property even if that's as a second home. If the landlord accepts early surrender of the tenancy then that's a different matter.

However, you may be eligible for discounts, in particular an empty property discount. 

Hope the move goes well! Most people on the board always say that it's sensible to have some overlap despite the cost, in case of unexpected delays. It also gives you a much more relaxed moving experience.

greatcrested

As above. from my counci's website:

Empty Property Discounts

The government made changes to Council Tax legislation which allows local councils to change some discounts and exemptions. From 1st April 2013, the following applies:-

• 100% discount – for properties that are empty and unfurnished less than a month. This discount replaced the Class C Exemption.
• 50% discount – unoccupied and unfurnished properties undergoing major repair work to render them habitable or where structural alterations are needed or taking place. The discount can be awarded up to a maximum period of 12 months. This discount replaced the Class A Exemption.

There is no discount for properties that are:-

• Unoccupied and unfurnished more than a month
• Unoccupied and furnished (e.g. second homes)

Empty Homes Premium

Properties that have been empty and substantially unfurnished for more than 2 years are charged a premium of 100% on top of the full Council Tax charge.

Davesnave

Console yourself knowing it's a great advantage to be able to move in slowly, getting the place really clean and doing those jobs that are a pain when there's furniture in the way.

JessJ23425

Davesnave said:

Console yourself knowing it's a great advantage to be able to move in slowly, getting the place really clean and doing those jobs that are a pain when there's furniture in the way.

This!
We're hoping for an overlap for that reason entirely 

ProDave

Speak to your council.  Some do / did allow 6 months free if the property is unoccupied and unfurnished.