Your tenants will usually be responsible for paying Council Tax for the length of their tenancy.  

You'll be responsible for paying, if:

  • your property is an HMO
  • your tenant moves out and there's a gap (even of 1 day) before the next tenancy starts
  • nobody is living in your property

You'll also be responsible if you own a:

  • residential or nursing home
  • hostel that provides care
  • property used by religious communities
  • property which is the sole or main home of someone you employ in domestic service
  • vicarage or property where a Minister of Religion lives and works
  • property occupied only by asylum seekers

If your property is an HMO

For Council Tax, an HMO is a property that's occupied by at least 3 tenants, forming more than one household. They'll each have an individual tenancy agreement and will not have a right to occupy the entire property.

Read more about a landlord's liability for Council Tax on an HMO (Shelter).

Check if you need an HMO licence.

Tell us about tenancy changes

You should tell us when tenants move in or out of your property as soon as possible. You must include your current address and your managing agent's address, if you have one.

Tell us someone's moving in or out.

When your tenant's assured shorthold tenancy ends and becomes a periodic tenancy, the 'material interest' in the property transfers to you. This means that when the tenant moves out, you'll be responsible for paying the Council Tax.

Read more about who's responsible for Council Tax after a tenant moves out (Shelter)

Registering tenants for a past tenancy period

We will not usually register tenants for a past tenancy period. If you need to talk to us about doing this, email: counciltax@royalgreenwich.gov.uk

We'll ask you for proof that the property was occupied for the period in dispute. If we're not satisfied with the information you give us, we'll transfer or keep the liability in your name.

Contact us if you think you need to pay

If you have any questions about your Council Tax responsibilities as a landlord, you can contact us using the Council Tax enquiry form.