Do Students Pay Council Tax?
Most full-time students don’t have to pay council tax if everyone living in the property is also a full-time student, as is the case at HAUS. A household occupied entirely by qualifying full-time students will normally be exempt from council tax.
The rules may be different if a student shares with a part-time student, working professional, partner or another person who isn’t exempt.
Students may also need to apply for an exemption or provide evidence of their student status to the local council. Understanding the basic rules before moving into student accommodation can help you avoid unexpected bills and ensure that any exemption or discount is applied correctly.
What Is Council Tax?
Council tax is a charge collected by local authorities to help fund services in the local area. These can include waste collection, road maintenance, libraries, public spaces and local support services.
It usually applies to residential properties, including rented houses and flats. The amount charged depends partly on the council tax band assigned to the property and whether any discounts or exemptions apply.
Full-time students are usually disregarded for council tax purposes. This means they’re not counted as liable adults when the local council calculates the bill.
If everyone in the property is a qualifying full-time student, the home will normally receive a full student council tax exemption, meaning no council tax should be payable while the exemption applies. This can cover students living in university accommodation, private student accommodation, such as HAUS, or a shared student house.
If you receive a bill despite living in an all-student household, this doesn’t mean you’re required to pay it. You may need to submit a council tax exemption student application or provide evidence confirming that everyone in the property is studying full-time.
Are Full-Time Students Exempt From Council Tax?
Who Counts as a Full-Time Student for Council Tax Purposes?
A full-time university or college student will usually qualify if their course lasts for at least one academic or calendar year, requires attendance for at least 24 weeks of the year and involves at least 21 hours of study, tuition or work experience per week during term time.
The rules can differ for students under 20 who’re studying certain further education courses. Part-time students are generally not automatically disregarded in the same way, so should check their position with their local authority.
Your university or college can usually provide proof that you’re enrolled on a qualifying course. This may be called a student status letter, enrolment confirmation or council tax student certificate.
What Happens if You Live With Non-Students?
If a property is occupied by both students and non-students, the household may still be entitled to a council tax student discount, but it will not usually receive a complete exemption.
Council tax is normally calculated on the basis that at least two liable adults live in the property. Full-time students are disregarded when the council counts those adults.
For example, if one working non-student lives with three qualifying full-time students, the council may treat the property as having only one liable adult. The non-student resident may therefore be eligible for a 25% single-person discount. If two or more liable non-students live in the property, the full council tax charge will normally apply.
How to Apply for a Student Council Tax Exemption or Discount
The application process is usually managed by the local council rather than the university or accommodation provider.
To apply, you will need to:
- Find the student discount or exemption application form on your local council’s website.
- Provide the address of the student property.
- List the people living in the household.
- Enter your university and course details.
- Upload proof of student status.
- Submit the application and keep a copy of the confirmation.
Some universities share student status information with local authorities. Birmingham City Council states that several local universities provide electronic student lists every two weeks. However, students are advised to make sure their details have been included and should not assume the exemption has been applied automatically.
What Proof Do Students Need?
This will depend on the council, but common examples include:
- A council tax student certificate
- A university enrolment letter
- Confirmation of your course dates
- A valid student ID
- Your university or college reference number
- Proof of your address
- Details of other household members
A student certificate can usually be requested through your university’s student portal, registry team or student services department. Keep copies of anything you submit.
Key Takeaways
A household occupied entirely by qualifying full-time students is normally exempt. Students living with one non-student may benefit from a reduced bill, while homes containing two or more liable non-students will usually pay the full charge.
Students may need to complete an application and provide proof of their course and enrolment.
Before moving into student accommodation, check your council’s application process, obtain your student certificate and keep confirmation of any exemption or discount.