With councils soon to be drafting their budget proposals for the next financial year the National Landlords Association (NLA) is contacting all Local Authorities in the UK to agree Council Tax exemptions for landlords whose properties become empty between tenancies.

Currently, the policy for whether landlords are liable to pay Council Tax for their unoccupied properties differs across the UK.

Carolyn Uphill, Chairman and former NLA representative for Manchester, said: “We have to remember that landlords have a legal responsibility to ensure the home they provide is safe and fit to be occupied and often essential maintenance or even larger scale renovation work may be needed before the property is suitable for new tenants.

“We often hear that more should be done to improve the standard of private rented property, yet councils still insist on making landlords liable for Council Tax between tenancies which is simply another business cost that the landlord is faced with.

“The NLA believe that councils must play their part by allowing a reasonable exemption period of Council Tax. This would demonstrate they are serious about encouraging better standards in the sector and mean landlords won’t rush to re let their properties without first ensuring they are up to scratch.”