paying community tax

[mollymoo]

Hi...I am about to buy a flat and rent out the other room....i have a question..do you charge seperately for the community tax...say if i rented out the entire falt ...who would be reponsible...would the cost be on top of the rent?...thanks

[themas]

If the whole of a property is rented out the tenant is normally reponsible for the Council Tax. This would be specified in the tenancy agreement.
If you are just renting a room in your flat, the council tax for the whole flat remains your responsibility and you must pay it to the Council. It is up to you whether you charge your tenant a proportion of the tax in addition to the rent. But it is simplest to quote an all in figure covering rent, contribution to council tax, gas electricity and water. You need to agree with the tenant what happens for phone costs (unless you are each just using your own mobiles).

[oldhenry]

Don't forget if you are a single occupier you get 25% discount. this will go if others live there, so factor that in too.
You get discount for having disabled adaptations.

[mollymoo]

oldhenry...what do you mean by disabled adaptions...and how would I get a 25% discount if others live there....I am confused please explain a little more if you can....or did you mean you lose the 25% if someone moves in with me....thanks

[oldhenry]

If you are a single occupier you get 25% reduction on Council Tax.
But if you let someone else live in the house as well , you lose that and so have to pay the full Council Tax. Ok if you charge them a share.
you would be out of pocket if you did not/
You can get a reduction of one band of Council Tax for a disabled adaptation to the property.
Sorry if this confused, it is probably irrevelant to your query.