Properties unsuitable for living in
Uninhabitable properties (eg: house / flat renovations or barn / farm conversions)
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
