You will need to pay full Council Tax on most empty homes, whether they are furnished or not.
But there are some exemptions to this:
- an empty property that's owned and was last used by a registered charity (for up to six months)
- a property left empty by someone who's in prison, or detained under the Mental Health Act
- a property left empty when a person moves somewhere to receive care, with no plans to move back in (for example in a hospital, care home or nursing home)
- a property left empty because the owner died, and probate or letters of administration have yet to be granted (and for up to six months afterwards)
- any property left empty because occupation is forbidden by law
- a property left empty to be used by a minister or religion
- properties left empty by people who provide care to someone else
- properties which are empty because the owner is a student living somewhere else
- a property that's empty due to repossession
- empty properties which are the responsibility of a trustee in bankruptcy
- empty caravan pitches or boat moorings
- properties that are empty because they are part of another property which cannot be let separately because of planning rules
How to apply
Send your completed application form to: localtaxation@rutland.gov.uk
Remember - you'll need to carry on paying your Council Tax while you are waiting for the outcome of your application.
Download the application form
