Student unoccupied property exemption
You may not have to pay Council Tax on an unoccupied property if everyone responsible for the bill is an eligible student. This usually applies where students have left a property empty while studying elsewhere, or when a student's property is empty between term times.
There are two types of exemptions depending on your situation.
Empty properties where all liable people are students
You can get full exemption if:
- the property is empty and is no one’s main home
- everyone responsible for Council Tax is an eligible student
This usually applies if you have moved out to study elsewhere and left your home empty.
The exemption can continue for as long as all responsible people remain students.
What you need to provide
Before you start your application, please have the following ready:
- a student certificate completed by your college or university, or
- a copy of your Council Tax student certificate confirming your course details
If you study at the University of the West of Scotland and have given permission to share your details, they will confirm your student status automatically.
Property empty between term times
You may also get a temporary exemption if:
- the property is empty
- it was last lived in only by students
- the same students are still responsible and plan to return
This usually applies to students who rent a property during term time but leave it empty during holidays.
This exemption can last for up to 4 months. Once students move back in, the property may then qualify for an exemption as fully occupied by students.
You do not usually need to give us course details for this exemption. If we need more information, we will contact you.
Eligible students
You are classed as an eligible student if you are:
- under 20 and studying more than 12 hours a week for at least 3 months for a qualification up to A level, Higher Scottish Certificate, or an equivalent course
- studying a course at a college or university for at least 24 weeks in an academic year and at least 21 hours a week during term time
- registered with the Central Bureau for Educational Visits and Exchanges and working as a foreign language assistant in Great Britain