Unoccupied properties
Unoccupied properties exemptions
Class B - Property left unoccupied by a charity
If you are a registered charity and the property you own is unoccupied, you may not have to pay council tax.
Class D - Property left unoccupied by someone in detention
If a person, who normally lives in the property as their main residence and was the only occupier, is absent from the property due to being held in detention, then a Class D exemption may be applicable.
Class E - Patients resident in hospital or care homes
A Class E exemption may apply if a person, who:
- previously lived in the property as their main residence and
- was the only occupier and
- is absent from the property as they are now reside in hospital or a care home and
- do not intend to return to the property.
Class F - Former occupier has died
The executors are responsible for the property and are waiting for probate or letters of administration to be granted. The property does not need to be furnished.
Class G - Occupation forbidden by law
If a property cannot be occupied because the law prevents it, a Class G exemption may apply.
Class H - Minister’s residence which is unoccupied
Property left unoccupied and a minister of religion will be moving in.
Class I - Unoccupied as liable person receiving personal care elsewhere
The liable person is receiving care elsewhere due to old age, disablement, illness, past or present alcohol or drug dependence, or past or present mental disorder.
Class J - Property unoccupied as liable person has moved out to provide care
If a property is unoccupied because the liable person has moved to another residence to provide care for another person due to old age, disablement, illness, past or present alcohol or drug dependence, or past or present mental disorder, then a Class J exemption may apply.
Class K - Unoccupied as qualifying student owner has moved out to study
An unoccupied property may be exempt if it is:
- owned by a qualifying student and
- that property was the main or sole residence of the owner, until it became unoccupied, and
- nobody lived in the property prior to it becoming unoccupied, except for qualifying students.
Class L - Repossessed property, mortgagee in possession
If the property you own has been repossessed and you no longer live there you do not have to pay council tax.
Class Q - Trustee in bankruptcy
The council may grant exemption for council tax purposes, whether the property is furnished or not, so long as:
- the property is unoccupied and
- the person who would be liable for council tax is acting as a trustee in bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Act 1914 or the Insolvency Act 1986.
Class R - Unoccupied pitch or mooring
If you own a mooring for a boat or a pitch for a caravan and it is now vacant then you may be entitled to a reduction in your council tax, from the day the mooring or pitch became vacant.
Class T - Unoccupied annexes
An exemption may apply to a dwelling that is an unoccupied annexe to, or within the grounds of, the main dwelling. The annexe may not be let separately from the main property without contravening planning consent. Please check our outbuildings and the law page for more details.