Council tax empty property

[scaniavabis]

My late father's bungalow has stood empty since March. What am I liable for in respect or Council tax etc as I am the joint owner of this property with my sibling. It is currently for sale and has a minimum of furniture in it as it was rented out as furnished for 18 months prior to March

[scotgal]

I think you would still be liable for full council tax as property is habitable.

[scaniavabis]

well if that's the case, would removing the furniture make it uninhabitable and therefore exempt?

[terambulan]

Council tax bills are sent to named people or 'the occupier'. If neither fits you - you can't be charged.

[burston]

From what I remember about a programme I saw recently, council tax on furnished properties that are unoccupied are 80%, I presume on unfurnished it would be exempt. Also, you have to think about house insurance, even though the property is empty just in case it is vandalised as some are. Unfortunately because its empty, the premiums are higher than normal.

[scotgal]

My son bought a studio flat in July last year and almost immediately received a bill for council tax. However he was not able to move in due to the fact that the kitchen had to be ripped out and various other repairs had to be carried out. We explained this to the council and he was given exemption until he moved in which was in November as the property was uninhabitable. Now I know there are various discounts available such as for living alone etc; but I would imagine each local authority would have different protocols so I think you would be better speaking to your own council and discussing the position with them. Contrary to popular belief the council is not just out to get your money - I found ours to be extremely helpful and as long as you are upfront about your circumstances they will help all they can.

[scaniavabis]

Thanks all, I'll ring the council and find out what they have to say.

[buildersmate]

Here's the real answer, which you can test out with what your council says.
There are various exemption classes which you can see here.
http://www.westminster.gov.uk/councilgovernmen tanddemocracy/councils/counciltaxandfinance/no tes.cfm
I know this is Westminster council but it's the same across all England & Wales and Westminster are particularly helpful in explaining it on their website (scroll down the page a bit).
You will see that either Class F can be applied or Class C. They both give you total exemption for up to 6 months, but you'd be better making sure Class F applies because you get more exemption after the initial 6 months for ANOTHER 6 months after probate has been granted. Class C will cost you 90% of the assessed amount after the 6 months.

Some of the above statements are just plain wrong.
The comment that one can't be charged because the bill goes to the deceased owner for example. The bill would go against the estate of the deceased person if that were true (which it is not).