What Is Council Tax?

Council tax is a local tax collected by councils such as:

• Cardiff Council

• Newport City Council

• Other South Wales local authorities

It helps fund essential services like:

• Waste collection 🗑️

• Schools and education 📚

• Emergency services 🚑

• Road maintenance and street cleaning

How Council Tax Works:

• Properties are placed into bands (A–H) based on 1991 values

• Each council sets its own rates

• Bills are usually paid monthly

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👤 Who Pays Council Tax in a Rental Property?

✅ In Most Cases: The Tenant Pays

If your property is:

• Let as a whole property

• Occupied by one tenant or joint tenants

👉 The tenants are responsible for paying council tax

The council will bill them directly, and in shared tenancies, tenants split the cost.

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⚠️ When Do Landlords Pay Council Tax?

There are key situations where landlords are responsible instead:

🏚️ 1. The Property Is Empty

If no one is living in the property, the landlord must usually pay council tax.

👉 Some councils in Cardiff and Newport may offer:

• Empty property discounts

• Short-term exemptions

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🏠 2. The Property Is an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation)

If tenants rent individual rooms rather than the whole property:

👉 The landlord is responsible for council tax

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🏥 3. Special Property Types

Landlords are also liable if the property is:

• A care home

• A hospital

• A refuge

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👶 4. Occupiers Are Not Liable

Landlords must pay if all occupants are:

• Under 18

• Asylum seekers

• Temporary residents with another main home

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🏚️ Do Landlords Pay Council Tax on Empty Properties?

Yes — in most cases across Cardiff, Newport, and South Wales, landlords must cover council tax when a property is vacant.

However:

• Discounts vary by local council

• Some offer short-term relief

• Long-term empty properties may face higher charges

👉 Always check your local authority’s policy.

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❌ Are Landlords Liable for Unpaid Council Tax?

No — in most situations.

If tenants fail to pay:

• The debt remains in their name

• The council pursues the tenant, not the landlord

👉 Even if tenants move out, landlords are not responsible for unpaid bills.

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📍 Local Insight: Cardiff, Newport & South Wales

Council tax rules are broadly consistent across Wales, but:

• Rates differ between councils

• Discounts and exemptions vary locally

That’s why it’s important to:

• Check your specific council (Cardiff, Newport, etc.)

• Stay up to date with local policy changes

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💡 How to Avoid Unexpected Council Tax Costs

Landlords can reduce risk by:

• Ensuring tenancy agreements clearly state tenant responsibility

• Minimising void periods

• Understanding HMO rules

• Checking eligibility for discounts

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🤝 Need Help Managing Your Property?

At Redkey, we help landlords across Cardiff, Newport, and South Wales manage their properties efficiently and stay compliant.

We can help with:

• Tenant management

• Reducing void periods

• Navigating landlord responsibilities

• Full property management services

📲 Call us on 01633 387970or email hello@redkeylets.co.uk to find out more.

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❓ FAQs: Council Tax for Landlords

Do landlords pay council tax in Wales?

Usually no — tenants are responsible unless the property is empty or an HMO.

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Who pays council tax in an HMO?

The landlord is responsible.

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What happens if a tenant doesn’t pay council tax?

The tenant remains liable — not the landlord.

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Do landlords pay council tax on empty properties?

Yes, although discounts may apply depending on the local council.