Paying council tax when someone has died

We understand there is a lot to arrange when someone dies. For council tax purposes, you may be able to claim a discount or exemption, depending on how many people still live at the deceased person’s property.

There are two main rules:

• If there is only one adult occupier left at the property a 25 per cent discount can be claimed
• If the property is unoccupied and was owned by the deceased, it will be exempt from charges until probate is granted, and for up to six months after that date if it remains unoccupied. After the six months, the deceased’s estate has to pay the full council tax charge.

If you are dealing with the affairs of someone who has died, please contact us as soon as you can with the following details:

• The full name and address of the deceased, and the date of death.
• The full name, address and phone number of the executors/solicitors dealing with the person’s estate
• The full names of anyone still living at the address
• Whether the property is unoccupied after the person’s death, and whether they owned or rented it
• If the deceased person was renting the property, the full name and address of the owner or agent, whether it was let on a furnished or unfurnished basis, and the date the tenancy will end.

Although we review the circumstances of unoccupied properties, you can help us keep our records up to date by confirming the date that probate is granted, and the sale details when they are known.

Contact Us

Please email revenuesandbenefits@leicester.gov.uk