BREAKING: NRLA launches campaign to have abandoned rental properties exempted from council tax

The National Residential Landlords Association says thousands of landlords face paying the tax through no fault of their own as tenants abandon tenancies or go home to their families during the pandemic.

Private landlords shouldn’t be forced to pay council tax on properties left empty because of the coronavirus, according to The National Residential Landlords Association.

It’s calling on the Government to tell councils they should exempt these houses from their demands.  

The NRLA says a significant number of rented homes are empty because tenants were unable to take up tenancies or have chosen to move out to be closer to family during the lockdown.

Landlords would then become liable for the council tax on the property and have no realistic prospect of finding new tenants. 

41% worried

Its recent survey found that 41% of landlords are concerned about having to cover the unexpected costs of utility bills and council tax.  

Chief executive Ben Beadle says: “It is manifestly unfair for landlords to be asked to pay council tax on properties which are empty, and likely to remain so, because of the impact of the pandemic. 

“Whilst we remain supportive of the measures taken so far by the Government, landlords are being asked to absorb more costs at a time when they are least able.  

“Unlike most small businesses and the self-employed, there has been no direct support package announced for landlords. Removing this unnecessary burden would at least help those landlords who are struggling to cope with drastically reduced income.” 

©1999 - Present | Parkmatic Publications Ltd. All rights reserved | LandlordZONE® - BREAKING: NRLA launches campaign to have abandoned rental properties exempted from council tax | LandlordZONE.