Properties unsuitable for living in

The exemption will apply to uninhabitable properties for a maximum period of 12 months After this exemption ends a council tax premium may apply.

The property must be undergoing or in need of major repair work to make it habitable or in need of or undergoing structural alteration. A Visiting Officer may inspect the property before the exemption can be awarded.

Structural Alteration

This must include changing the dwelling in some physical way from what it was to something different.

For example, repositioning of interior walls and adding an extension which involves knocking through exterior walls.

Major Repair Works

The repair works must be required to render the property habitable, and the extent of those repairs will determine whether they are deemed 'major'.
Major repairs are normally considered to be those which affect the fabric of the premises including (but not limited to):

• Major roof or external wall repairs
• Rebuilding defective chimney stacks
• Foundation work and work relating to supporting walls
• Major fire or flood damage
• Major repairs to floorboards and joists
• Dwelling totally gutted including removing most internal walls (Not Stud/Partition Walls).

We look at whether the property was in need of major repair work before the commencement of the work rather than as a result of the work.

If a property for example becomes uninhabitable because the bathroom and kitchen have been removed for replacement this would not constitute a need for 'repair' therefore the property is not deemed as uninhabitable.

Documentary Evidence Required to Support the Application (but not limited to):

• A schedule of works showing all the work that is due to be completed (not a quote) this must show clear evidence that the work has / or is due to be undertaken.
• This must also be a schedule of works provided by the builder who will undertake the work or has completed the work.
• A surveyors report The surveyors report, in conjunction with the schedule of works should show evidence that major repair works or structural alterations work is necessary to make the dwelling fit for purpose.
• Receipts for all the works undertaken or to be undertaken if undertaking the works yourself
• Any planning application number
• Any building control application number along with building control officer's name and contact details
• Photographs

Apply to have an uninhabitable property exempted from Council Tax here Uninhabitable properties (eg: house / flat renovations or barn / farm conversions)

If a property is unfurnished, then it may be exempted from Council Tax for up to 6 months.

After this exemption ends the property will be liable for the full council tax charge. If the property remains unoccupied and unfurnished for a continuous period of one year a council tax premium may apply.

This exemption is for properties that are 'unoccupied and unfurnished'. There must be no furniture apart from white goods and fitments (such as built in wardrobes).

The exemption lasts for no more than 6 months.

The exemption starts from the date the property first becomes unoccupied and unfurnished.

After the award

We will inspect the property following the award of the exemption. If there are any items of furniture, the exemption will be removed.

At the end of the exemption period a 100% charge is payable for 6 months. After this, a Council Tax Premium of 100% will be applied on top of the standard rate of 100%. This means you will pay 200% Council Tax if the property remains unoccupied.

If the property changes hands during the exemption period, the new council taxpayer is only entitled to the rest of the exemption period.

Apply to have an unfurnished property exempted from Council Tax here Claiming an Exemption

If your property is flood damaged or unsafe, it may be discounted from Council Tax. This is through a special 'Section 13a' scheme set up by Powys County Council where the following situations are considered:

1. A property suffering fire damage
2. A flooded property including storm damage
3. A property made unsafe because of a gas leak, oil leak, or subsidence.

Find out more about this scheme and how to apply Locally Defined Discounts (Section 13A) Framework