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

Your caravan pitch or boat mooring is unoccupied

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

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