Leeds council tax empty homes charges and how to get a discount

There are no discounts for most empty homes and, in some cases, owners will have to pay more if it has been empty for a long time.

Do any empty properties get a discount?

There are some situations where owners or tenants can apply for an exemption. These include:

1. Living somewhere else for care, work or education - This might apply if you are in a hospital, care home, nursing home or hostel and do not plan on returning. Other possible scenarios include if your home is empty while you care for someone else.

2. Last occupier has died - An exemption might be available for a set length of time for the empty home they leave behind when someone dies.

3. In prison or detained by law - This applies if the home's occupier is in prison or detained for mental health or immigration reasons.

4. Repossessed property - If your home has been repossessed, you can apply for an exemption.

5. Legal reason why it cannot be lived in - You must provide proof that it would be against the law to live there, such as a prohibition order or closure notice.

What if a home is uninhabitable?

Even if you think your property is uninhabitable while you make repairs or improvement, you get no council tax discount.

If you think your property is derelict, you can contact the Valuation Office Agency.

What are the extra charges for long term properties?

If a home has been empty and unfurnished for two years or more, the owner will be charged double the amount of council tax. This is known as the long term empty premium.

The two-year period beings when a home first becomes empty and unfurnished, even if the owner has changed. It only stops when someone moves in or the home is furnished.