Apply for a Council Tax exemption if your property is empty because you're studying elsewhere

Your property is exempt from Council Tax if it's empty because you're studying elsewhere.

You'll need to apply for this exemption. You will not get it automatically.

Who can apply

You can apply if the property is your sole or main home and it's empty because you're a full-time student studying elsewhere.

What you need to apply

You'll need to fill in and send us the application form with proof that you're eligible for the exemption.

Proof we need

We need:

• your Council Tax account number
• confirmation that you started studying elsewhere within 6 weeks of leaving your property

We also need a student certificate from your college or university. It must include:

• your full name
• your date of birth
• your current address
• the name and address of the college or university
• the name of your course
• the number of course hours each week
• the start date and expected end date of your course

We will not accept a course acceptance letter.

If you rent the property you're living in where you're studying, we'll also need a full copy of your tenancy agreement - it must include every page.

Apply

Download and fill in the application form:

Send your application by post or email to:

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Revenues Service
The Woolwich Centre
35 Wellington Street
London SE18 6HQ

Email: counciltax@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

What happens next

It can take up to 21 days for us to process your application and decide if you're eligible.

We may ask you for more proof.

If you're eligible for the discount, we'll send you an updated bill.

You must tell us within 21 days about any change in your circumstances that may affect your entitlement to a discount or exemption. If you do not tell us, you could get a £70 fixed penalty.

If we decide you're not eligible, you can appeal our decision.