Good evening all,We have an issue with Haringey council tax.Recently, we receives letter from Haringey council regarding our previous rented flat in Muswell Hill. Our rent is all bills inclusive such as council tax, eletricity, water etc... and it's clearly stated in the contract that was given to us. The surprise bill is over £1200. Despite us having able to provide the paperwork to the Haringey council, the council said it is not good enough to renew the record but we should asks the landlord to agree to pay which we find is 'mission impossible'. Our landlord is a rogue landlord. This we found out after moving out. He had failed to pay back our deposit and given us false address. It took us several months to track him down thru the national electro system and finally the court judge manage to make him pay us back. What I do not understand is why our paperwork is good enough for Her Majesty's court services but not to Haringey council. What other option do we have ? It is clearly not fair to us having to pay taxes that we had already paid thru the rent. Please help.
Optional Information: System of Law: England-and-Wales Already Tried: written to the council but they are difficult
Hello,I am afraid as far as the council is concerned, it is the occupier's responsibility to pay council tax i.e. in your case, it is your responsibility to settle the council tax despite what has been agreed with the landlord.You would be responsible to pay the council tax to the council and you can then claim the money back from the landlord which may mean you going to court again I am afraid.Hope this clarifies. Please rate my answer and we can continue for free if need be.
I can't believe this is happening.But why the council asking us to provide evidence in the first place. I am sad because it is not fair. Many thanks for your help, anyway.
I am sorry but I can only advise you on the legal position, whether you like it or not.Sorry. The council may be trying to see that you are not lying by asking you for evidence, but the legal position is that you as the tenant are liable unless the landlord is living at the property as well or the property is in multiple occupation.Please remember to rate my Answer positively so I am credited
Experience: English Solicitor with over 10 years legal experience
Well the property is divided into several small flat .Is this under multiple occupation?
If it was a HMO, the council would have billed your landlord for the council tax. You may raise the argument with the council that it was a HMO and that the landlord is liable, this may help: http://www.mglewisandson.co.uk/hmo-houses-in-multiple-occupation/hmo-and-council-tax-2I have nothing further to add and look forward to your positive rating as your queries have been answered
Excuse me. What is hmo? last question please
House in Multiple Occupation.Thank you for the excellent feedback and bonus!
Many thanks
Welcome and All the best