The coronavirus pandemic had caused a multitude of issues and concerns for many, and the impact on many private landlords has been huge.

 Some tenants have chosen to move closer to family during lockdown, and many tenants have been unable to take up new tenancies leaving landlords unable to find new tenant. Therefore a significant amount of rented homes have been left vacant during this time leaving landlords liable for additional bills such as council tax fees on the property.

Ministers are being asked by private landlords to instruct local authorities to waiver council tax fees on rented homes that are left empty due to the coronavirus pandemic. A recent study carried out by The National Residential Landlords Association found that 41% of landlords are worried about having to pay the unexpected costs of utility bills and council tax.

Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the NRLA, commented:
“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.”

Guidance for landlords can be found on the Government website.