Make Sure Your Tenant Registers With Their Local Authority

Written by The Landlord on 18 Sep 2007

If your tenant is responsible for paying council tax on your property, it’s important that they register their new residential details with the local authority for taxation purposes.

Ultimately, it is the tenants responsibility to do so. However, “tenants fresh out of the box” may not be aware of this process. It’s always best to remind your tenant of his or her responsibilities.

I got a letter from my local council, which had attached a big fat Council Tax bill addressing a property I let. My tenant evidently forgot to register. I take blame though, because I should have reminded my tenant. That’s the penalty if your tenant fails to register (or if you fail to remind your tenant)- you’ll end up with the council tax bill. It’s not really a huge deal, but it’s just unnecessary hassle. Some Landlords may not realise what’s going on. Also, some Landlords may not even realise that their tenant is responsible for the Council tax Bill (check the contract), consequently will pay the bill just to avoid hassle.

To resolve the issue, I called my local council and explained the situation, and they basically confirmed what i already knew- my tenant hadn’t registered with the local authority.

The council will now send my tenant a form which she needs to complete, and after having done so, she will receive the council tax bill.

Additionally, regardless of whether your tenant is responsible for the council tax bill or not, they need to get on the electoral role with their new residential details. The electoral enrolment is for voting purposes.

For further information, it’s probably best to contact your local authority directly.

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