Council tax single person discount: what tenants need to know

If you are the only adult living in a rented property, you may be entitled to a 25% discount on your council tax bill. Here is who qualifies, how to apply, and what happens if your household changes.

What is the single person discount?

Council tax is set on the assumption that two or more adults live in a property. If only one adult lives there, you are entitled to a 25% discount on the full council tax bill.

The discount is applied automatically in some cases, but you usually need to apply for it.

Who counts as an adult for council tax?

All adults (aged 18 and over) living in the property normally count. However, some people are "disregarded" for council tax purposes, they are not counted even though they live there. Disregarded people include:

• Full-time students
• Student nurses
• Apprentices (in certain circumstances)
• People with severe mental impairment
• Certain carers who live with and care for the person they look after
• People under 25 on certain qualifying training or education programmes

If you live with someone who is disregarded, you may still qualify for the single person discount even though another adult lives with you.

Who pays council tax in a rented home?

In most private tenancies, the tenant pays council tax. Your tenancy agreement should confirm this. If you are on a full management rental where the landlord pays all bills, this may not apply, but check your agreement.

How do I apply for the single person discount?

Contact your local council and ask to apply for the single person discount. You will usually need to confirm:

• That you are the sole adult resident
• Your name and address
• Evidence that others have left if you previously shared the property

Councils may verify the discount from time to time. You must tell the council if your circumstances change (for example, if someone else moves in).

What if I am the only adult but my landlord lives there too?

If your landlord lives in the property with you (for example, in a live-in landlord situation), the landlord is also an adult resident and you would not qualify for the single person discount.

Can I get council tax support as well?

Yes. The single person discount and council tax support (previously called council tax benefit) are separate. If you are on a low income, you may be entitled to council tax support that reduces your bill further. You apply to the council for this.

Does this affect my disrepair rights?

No. Your legal rights as a tenant are not affected by how you pay council tax or whether you receive a discount.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We handle housing disrepair claims for tenants in all types of rented accommodation. Call us if your home is in poor condition.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Local Government Finance Act 1992 (council tax) (legislation.gov.uk)
• Council Tax (GOV.UK)