Landlord`s obligations re council tax

[Mirela]

Hello.

I moved to a flat in June 2015, and according to the contract with my landlord, the council tax for the property is included in the rent. I received a letter in 23 Dec 2015 with a Council tax enquiry form, as well as Council tax obligation (for me) for the financial year 2015-16, for the period of 21/11/15 - 31/03/16.
I spoke with my landlord (who didn't even give me a notice about this), and he informed me that this is a 'new law', and I should pay this. Moreover, he said that according to this 'new law', the amount I will pay as council tax should not be deducted from the rent amount, even thought we had an agreement that I previously described.
Could anyone let me know whether I am in my right to require a deduction in the rent amount I am paying to the landlord, equal to the council tax amount, and if I am, how I should proceed in order to deal with this situation?

Thank you very much in advance.

Kind regards,
Mirela

[ostell]

Re: Landlord`s obligations re council tax

I would say that the landlord is perhaps not telling the full story. Be pedantic and ask him what new law this is.

[Mirela]

Re: Landlord`s obligations re council tax

Thank you, I will. Do you think it might be worth discussing this with the Council as well?

[Kati]

Re: Landlord`s obligations re council tax

[MENTION=15129]Crazy council[/MENTION] might be able to advise too ... although if your tenancy agreement says that CT is included in the rent then it might be an idea to show that to the council (I agree with [MENTION=39331]ostell[/MENTION] about the LL not telling the truth btw)

[Mirela]

Re: Landlord`s obligations re council tax

Thank you

[Crazy council]

Re: Landlord`s obligations re council tax

Hi

If its in the contract,
1. that the landlord is responsible for the payment of CT ( Can be NNDR as well ), or it says
2. the CT ( or NNDR ) is included in the rent ( they are different terms ), it can make a difference to who they can chase

If its 2. you have already paid it ( if rents paid ), if its 1, they can still chase you, and possibly even apply to court, but i doubt it would get past a magistrate.. and you could counter claim against him if it did

Probably, just show them your contract, they will chase him ( it may have been automated paperwork you received from the council, that usually happens this time of year so they can close the last finical quarter out )

Further, what your LL say, new laws, as i understand, there has been some clearing up of CT and NNDR requaltions around contracting out responsibility within the contract, but i think it was just to do with overseas landlords. IE, donsent affect you, would need to see the terms in the contract to be sure.

You say flat,? what type, flat in block, flat in house. Do you know if there has been any changes as to how the council class the property, that would make some sence..... If they were previously classing it as HMO ( flats in buildings,, shared entrance of common house ) , and have re-classified its from the start of your tenancy.... that would meen that the LL was directly responsible before, but the reclassification would meen you are. but you would still be covered by your original contract ....

[Openlaw15]

Re: Landlord`s obligations re council tax

Hello.

I moved to a flat in June 2015, and according to the contract with my landlord, the council tax for the property is included in the rent. I received a letter in 23 Dec 2015 with a Council tax enquiry form, as well as Council tax obligation (for me) for the financial year 2015-16, for the period of 21/11/15 - 31/03/16.
I spoke with my landlord (who didn't even give me a notice about this), and he informed me that this is a 'new law', and I should pay this. Moreover, he said that according to this 'new law', the amount I will pay as council tax should not be deducted from the rent amount, even thought we had an agreement that I previously described.
Could anyone let me know whether I am in my right to require a deduction in the rent amount I am paying to the landlord, equal to the council tax amount, and if I am, how I should proceed in order to deal with this situation?

Thank you very much in advance.

Kind regards,
Mirela

Just ask the council. A house or flat (ie unless multi people sharing properties rooms, studios/ bedsit) should not have council tax included in rent. Is it private landlord, or public, ie council?