It is recommended that final-year university students make sure they have paid all of their rent for the last few weeks. Although they are not required to pay taxes during the course, they are liable to pay after their final year.
According to the UK government, a student’s status expires the day after their university’s summer term ends, often at the beginning of June. Private landlords’ contracts for student accommodation usually expire in late June, July, or even August; this difference increases the risk of receiving a surprise bill.
According to Megan Lloyd, a debt expert at Citizens Advice, “Students become liable for council tax from the day after they have formally stopped being students.” This could be because they officially finished their course the day they dropped or were expelled.
She also stated, “If a student’s final term ends on June 10, they will be reliable for council tax from June 11.” “This is only applicable to final students; students are exempt from paying council tax during the summer months in between years,” she added.
Because council tax bills are based on the property’s value, the amount students may be liable for depends on the rental property. As per Gov.uk, the average bill for band D home (valued at £68,001 to £88,000 on April 1, 1991) will be £2,171 between 2024 and 2025. Since one-third of students live off less than £50, this is about £181 a month.
Students who receive a letter or notice of an impending payment should respond to avoid accruing debt. Arrears on council taxes may result in severe repercussions, such as a bailiff’s visit or legal action.
At the council’s discretion, students who demonstrate that they are no longer residing on the property might be granted an exemption. Moreover, those in the role will typically have to pay.
Students should keep checking in, especially when their housemates start moving out of their rented apartments.
