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

A property you own as your sole or main home may be 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 your 8-digit Council Tax account number. It’s shown at the top of your most recent Council Tax bill. 

The form may ask you to upload proof that you're eligible for a discount. 

Proof we need

We need:

• confirmation that you started studying elsewhere within 6 weeks of leaving your property
• a full copy of your tenancy agreement if you rent the property you're living in where you're studying - it must include every page
• a student certificate from your college or university

The student certificate 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.

Apply

You must answer all the questions on the form even if you know which discount you’re applying for. 

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.