Empty Between Tenants: Council Tax and Utility Bills for Overseas UK Landlords
When a tenant moves out of a UK rental, the bills do not stop. Council tax, gas, electricity, water and broadband can all fall to the landlord for the days the property is empty, and an overseas landlord can easily miss them.
This Banke UK guide explains who is usually responsible during a void, what to do on the day a tenant leaves, and how to avoid paying for someone else's usage. It avoids quoting rates, because council tax and tariffs vary by local authority and supplier.
The Short Answer
While a property is occupied under a normal tenancy, the tenancy agreement usually says the tenant pays council tax and utilities. When the tenancy ends, responsibility generally returns to the landlord until a new tenant starts. Notify the council and suppliers on the day the tenant leaves, take meter readings, and set a reminder for the new tenant's start date.
Council Tax
- Council tax is set by the local authority and depends on the property's band. Check your council's website for its rules on empty properties, because discounts, exemptions or premiums vary by area and change.
- Tell the council the date the tenant left and the date the new one moves in. Ask for a final bill for the outgoing tenant.
- If you are abroad, give the council a UK correspondence address or your agent's details so letters are not missed.
Gas, Electricity and Water
- Take dated meter readings and photos at check-out and check-in. They protect both sides if a bill is disputed.
- Contact the supplier to close the tenant's account, or to transfer the property to your name for the void period, as the supplier requires.
- Water supplier arrangements vary by region, so check who supplies the property and whether a landlord notification is needed.
- Keep heating on a low setting in cold months to reduce the risk of frozen pipes. Ask your agent what is sensible for the property.
Broadband and Other Services
Broadband is usually in the tenant's name and may carry a contract. Ask the tenant to cancel it or arrange a transfer, and check whether leaving it in place helps you re-let faster. Do not assume any service continues without checking.
Use Your Letting Agent
If you use a letting agent, ask whether void-period utility notifications are part of the service or an extra fee. Our guide to letting agents for overseas landlords lists what to check in the management agreement. If you manage yourself, set up a simple checklist.
Budget for It
Voids are a normal cost of letting. Our article on void periods and rent arrears budgeting shows how to plan for them. Include council tax, utilities and some repairs in your void budget, and remember that tenant charges are limited by the Tenant Fees Act.
A Check-Out Checklist
- Meter readings and photos, with the date.
- Council notified of the tenant's leaving date.
- Suppliers told and accounts closed or transferred.
- Final bills requested from the tenant.
- Keys, alarm codes and access confirmed with your agent.
- A diary note for the next tenant's start date.
Talk to Banke
Banke UK works with overseas investors on buying and letting UK property. To discuss your situation, contact the Banke UK team.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and procedures change, so confirm current details with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you commit money.