What to do when someone dies

If a property owner dies, there may be no Council Tax to pay on the property. This depends on how many people still live there.

If a property owner or resident dies, there may be no Council Tax to pay on the property. This depends on how many people still live there.

If more than one person who is counted as an adult for Council Tax is living at the property, Council Tax must be paid in full.

If there is only one adult left living at the property, they can apply for single person discount.

If no one lives at the property and it was owned by the person who died, there is no Council Tax to pay until probate is granted. If no one moves into the property for 6 months after the probate date, there is no Council Tax to pay. After 6 months, the full council tax amount is paid from the estate of the person who died.

How to tell us someone has died

Send us a message to update the Council Tax account of someone who has died. We need to know:

  • the full name and address of the deceased person
  • the date of death
  • the name, address and phone number of the executors or solicitors dealing with the person's estate
  • the full names of anyone that still lives at the address
  • whether the property is unoccupied after the person's death, and, if so, whether they owned it or rented it
  • if the person rented the property, 
    • the full name and address of the owner or managing agent
    • whether it was let on a furnished or unfurnished basis
    • the date the tenancy for the property will end

Send us a message to tell us someone has died

We review the circumstances of unoccupied properties, but you can help us keep our records up to date by telling us:

  • the date that probate is granted
  • the sale details, including the date of sale
  • the names of the purchasers and their current address

We will then change our records, and send any refund or final bill to the executors of the estate.