Council Tax - Student

[mihaiteodor95]

Hello. I got a question, maybe you guyz can enlighten me. So I am a full-time student, curently living with 3 other students. When the head tennant handed in the council tax form he never told me or any of the other people living in the flat and he did not have our student ids...anyway today I just received a letter for payent notice for council tax, water and sewerage charges with my name and the name of another person in the flat. I read all that was on the back and I found the link on the back for the full time student council tax exemption online form so I completed that (for myself fully, let my the other guy in the flat know that he has to fill it up as well). Do you reckon we will have to pay or something like that? Do I have to go in person to the city council to short this out or could someone go for me ? (I'm at work at my summer job when the council is open....) Please I really need some help with this

[MissFM]

Re: Council Tax - Student

Hi mihaiteodor andto LB!

Hang on in there - someone will be along soon to help you x

[Amethyst]

Re: Council Tax - Student

Are all three of your housemates full time students too ?

If so you have done the right thing with regards the council tax exemption application. The other two tenants should also complete it although sounds as though they may have done to begin with.

Are you in Scotland?

[Kati]

Re: Council Tax - Student

Would the house be classed as a HMO??

[mihaiteodor95]

Re: Council Tax - Student

yes everyone staying here is a student. And yes I live in Edinburgh right now. The thing is I am supposed to pay the first instalment on the 5th of september and that's quite soon.

[mihaiteodor95]

Re: Council Tax - Student

Kati yes I think it would be classed as an HMO. Also the Tax Band is D on the paper

[Kati]

Re: Council Tax - Student

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=3356

Kati yes I think it would be classed as an HMO. Also the Tax Band is D on the paper

In a HMO, it is the landlord who is responsiblo for payment of council tax, not the tenants. While the link is for Glasgow, the regulations will be the same in Edinburgh

[wales01man]

Re: Council Tax - Student

Does it have to be registered as a HMO?

[Kati]

Re: Council Tax - Student

Does it have to be registered as a HMO?

According to the regulations - yes!

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Bu.../landlords/hmo

[des8]

Re: Council Tax - Student

Yes Wales, they have to be licenced.

Definition of an HMO

An HMO is a term that applies to any living accommodation occupied by 3 or more unrelated persons as their only or main residence, and who share kitchen and/or bathroom facilities. Living accommodation occupied by students during term-time is always regarded as their main residence.

Legislation

HMO Licensing falls under Part 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 as amended

HMO Licence applications are handled by the Council’s HMO Officers who use the following guidance to determine the standards required at the property before an HMO Licence can be granted: Licensing Houses in Multiple Occupation Guidance Notes for Scottish Local Authorities


Crossed with Kati

[mihaiteodor95]

Re: Council Tax - Student

the flat is owned by an agency not landlord from what I know

[Kati]

Re: Council Tax - Student

the flat is owned by an agency not landlord from what I know

If it is classed as a HMO, and registered as such, then the Council Tax is payable by the landlord/owner of the property.

[mihaiteodor95]

Re: Council Tax - Student

then if it's payable by a landlord / owner why did we get the payment notice and it's our name there. And from what I read is HMO (4 unrelated students live here)...

[Kati]

Re: Council Tax - Student

:tongue2:

then if it's payable by a landlord / owner why did we get the payment notice and it's our name there. And from what I read is HMO (4 unrelated students live here)...

That I cannot answer :tinysmile_hmm_t2: ... Maybe you should email your council and ask?? If the house is registered as a HMO then you should not be liable for the CT. If it isn't then it is possible that your landlord/agency is breaking the law.

[mihaiteodor95]

Re: Council Tax - Student

So I decided to do what I thought best and I went in person at the council after work (was lucky, I was the last person they let in ) and after like 2 hours of waiting I got in an interview room and talked with a lady for like 5 min and she sorted everything out so our bill now is 0 pounds!

Thank you all for all your responces !