Council tax - moving out before tenancy ends

moneytipshelp39

Hello all,

I'm moving out a few days before the end of the tenancy agreement and I understand the new tenant would be moving in before that date too.

I would still be liable for paying until the end of the tenancy date or should I pay until the day I move out?

With other bills I understand I pay until moving out day as I'm no responsible for the use of electricity, water, etc. after that date.

Thanks in advance!

user1977

You're responsible for all the bills until the end of your tenancy (whether that's the contractual end date or an earlier date agreed with your landlord), it doesn't matter whether you're living there or not.

Mark_d

user1977 said:

You're responsible for all the bills until the end of your tenancy (whether that's the contractual end date or an earlier date agreed with your landlord), it doesn't matter whether you're living there or not.

When the old tenant moves out and the new one moves in, does the new tenant not take over responsibility for bills as part of their tenancy agreement?

moneytipshelp39

Mark_d said:

user1977 said:

You're responsible for all the bills until the end of your tenancy (whether that's the contractual end date or an earlier date agreed with your landlord), it doesn't matter whether you're living there or not.

When the old tenant moves out and the new one moves in, does the new tenant not take over responsibility for bills as part of their tenancy agreement?

That was my understanding as well. The new tenant won't know when my end of tenancy date is, and they should start paying for bills from the day they move in...

RAS

Read and photo all the meters when you leave and report them promptly. Make sure you get a receipt for the keys when you return them.

Won't stop some arguments, but gives you some evidence. What plans are there for the outgoing inventory? Again, video or photo everything.

user1977

Mark_d said:

user1977 said:

You're responsible for all the bills until the end of your tenancy (whether that's the contractual end date or an earlier date agreed with your landlord), it doesn't matter whether you're living there or not.

When the old tenant moves out and the new one moves in, does the new tenant not take over responsibility for bills as part of their tenancy agreement?

Yes, but the landlord (and OP) shouldn't be letting a new tenant move in before agreeing the early surrender of the OP's tenancy.

lincroft1710

You are responsible for Council Tax until the end of your tenancy. However if someone else moves into the property between you leaving and the end of your tenancy, then that person becomes responsible for the CT.

Myci85

You are responsible for all bills including council tax until either your tenancy ends or a new tenant moves in, whichever is sooner. However, you should be told officially if a new tenancy is starting before your tenancy end date, as if I understand correctly, a landlord is not able to receive two lots of rent for the same period. So you should have any pro rata days refunded if a new tenant moves in, and you can end your responsibility for bills on that date. 

housebuyer143

moneytipshelp39 said:

Mark_d said:

user1977 said:

You're responsible for all the bills until the end of your tenancy (whether that's the contractual end date or an earlier date agreed with your landlord), it doesn't matter whether you're living there or not.

When the old tenant moves out and the new one moves in, does the new tenant not take over responsibility for bills as part of their tenancy agreement?

That was my understanding as well. The new tenant won't know when my end of tenancy date is, and they should start paying for bills from the day they move in...

You are responsible but if you call the council and tell them you have left and the property will be empty of your belongings until the new tenant moves in, they may offer an exemption. Lots of councils do not charge if the property is empty and unfurnished.

lincroft1710

housebuyer143 said:

moneytipshelp39 said:

Mark_d said:

user1977 said:

You're responsible for all the bills until the end of your tenancy (whether that's the contractual end date or an earlier date agreed with your landlord), it doesn't matter whether you're living there or not.

When the old tenant moves out and the new one moves in, does the new tenant not take over responsibility for bills as part of their tenancy agreement?

That was my understanding as well. The new tenant won't know when my end of tenancy date is, and they should start paying for bills from the day they move in...

You are responsible but if you call the council and tell them you have left and the property will be empty of your belongings until the new tenant moves in, they may offer an exemption. Lots of councils do not charge if the property is empty and unfurnished.

With many councils in financial difficulties, they are tending not to do this anymore

housebuyer143

lincroft1710 said:

housebuyer143 said:

moneytipshelp39 said:

Mark_d said:

user1977 said:

You're responsible for all the bills until the end of your tenancy (whether that's the contractual end date or an earlier date agreed with your landlord), it doesn't matter whether you're living there or not.

When the old tenant moves out and the new one moves in, does the new tenant not take over responsibility for bills as part of their tenancy agreement?

That was my understanding as well. The new tenant won't know when my end of tenancy date is, and they should start paying for bills from the day they move in...

You are responsible but if you call the council and tell them you have left and the property will be empty of your belongings until the new tenant moves in, they may offer an exemption. Lots of councils do not charge if the property is empty and unfurnished.

With many councils in financial difficulties, they are tending not to do this anymore

Mine still does so I mention it so that OP checks. Not worth missing out on it if they do it.