Empty property exemptions
If your property is empty, you may be able to apply for a Council Tax exemption, depending on the type of property and who last lived in it.
If your property is exempt, you don't have to pay Council Tax while it meets the conditions, unless the exemption is time limited.
You must continue to make your payments
While you’re waiting for the outcome of your application you must continue to pay Council Tax in line with your current bill.
Exempt empty properties
Reason for exemption |
Time limit |
Proof required to apply |
|
Your property has been left empty and you're a charity |
6 months |
Copy of charitable objects |
|
Your property has been left empty as you're detained in prison or under the Mental Health Acts |
No time limit |
Confirmation from place of detention |
|
Your property has been left empty as you're living in a care or residential home |
No time limit |
Confirmation from hospital or care home |
|
A property has been left empty by someone who has died |
6 months from date of probate |
Copy of death certificate |
|
Your property is empty because occupation is illegal |
No time limit |
Copy of prohibition order |
|
Your property is empty waiting to be occupied by a minister of religion |
No time limit |
Confirmation from diocese or relevant body |
|
Your property has been left empty as you're receiving care or providing care elsewhere |
No time limit |
Doctor’s letter, to show the reason why the person needs to be residing elsewhere to receive care or requires you to provide care. The letter should show the patients name and address and the name and address of the person providing that care |
|
Your property has been left empty and you're a student |
No time limit |
Proof of student status and proof of new address |
|
Your property is empty because it has been repossessed |
No time limit |
Letter from financial institution confirming possession |
|
Your property has been left empty and you're bankrupt |
No time limit |
Copy of bankruptcy order and proof of new address |
|
No time limit |
No proof required |
|
|
Your annexe (which is part of an occupied property) is empty and can't be let separately |
No time limit |
Copy of planning restriction |
If we award the exemption
We’ll issue a new bill with new payment instructions. This will take account of any payments you've already made.
If you disagree with our decision
If we refuse your claim for an exemption and you disagree with our reasons, you can challenge our decision.
Let us know if anything changes
You must tell us about any changes that may affect your entitlement to any exemption. If you don’t let us know within 21 days of the change, we may charge a penalty fee.
Exemption reviews
We're reviewing all households that receive an exemption on their Council Tax bill. If you've received an SMS, email or letter about your exemption, please complete the empty property review form.
Complete the empty property review form
Page last updated: 05 September 2023
