Council Tax When Moving House — What Happens?
Everything you need to know about council tax when moving house. From notifying your council to avoiding double-billing, get your move right.
Moving House? Here's Your Council Tax Checklist
Moving house is stressful enough without worrying about council tax. But getting it right is important — fail to notify your council and you could end up paying for a property you no longer live in, or receive enforcement action at your new address.
Here's everything you need to know, step by step.
Before You Move: Check Your New Property's Band
Before you complete your purchase or sign a rental agreement, check the council tax band of your new property. This is one of the most overlooked costs of moving.
Use our free postcode checker to see the band and compare with neighbours. If the new property seems to be in the wrong band, you can challenge it after you move in.
🔍 Check your council tax band now — it takes 10 seconds
Compare your band with neighbours and find out if you're overpaying.
Check My Band arrow_forwardOn Moving Day
Step 1: Notify Your Old Council
Tell your previous council the date you're moving out. They'll calculate your final bill up to that date and close your account. Any overpayment will be refunded.
Step 2: Register with Your New Council
Contact your new council to register at the new address. If you're moving within the same council area, one notification may cover both.
Step 3: Set Up Payment
Arrange how you'll pay — most people set up a direct debit. You can usually choose to pay over 10 or 12 monthly instalments.
Important Things to Know
Moving Between Council Areas
If you're moving to a different council area, you'll need to contact both councils. Your old council will refund any overpayment. Your new council will set up a new account.
Buying and Selling
When you buy a property, council tax liability passes to you on completion day — not the day you move in. If there's a gap between completion and moving in, you may still be liable.
Renting
In most cases, the tenant is responsible for council tax, not the landlord. This applies from the first day of your tenancy. Check your rental agreement for specifics.
Don't Forget Discounts
If you qualified for a single person discount at your old address, apply for it at your new address too. Check if any other reductions apply.
🔍 Check your council tax band now — it takes 10 seconds
Compare your band with neighbours and find out if you're overpaying.
Check My Band arrow_forwardCommon Moving Problems
Double-Billing
If you're being billed for two properties, contact both councils immediately. You should only pay for one main residence. Make sure your move-out date has been properly recorded.
Gap Between Properties
If you're between properties (e.g., staying with family), you're not liable for council tax on a property you don't occupy. But you must notify your old council of your move-out date.
Shared Ownership
For shared ownership properties, council tax is usually the responsibility of the resident, not the housing association. Check your shared ownership agreement.
Check Your New Property's Band
Moving house is actually the perfect time to check if your new property is in the correct council tax band. You can challenge the band of any property you move into — and if it's too high, you'll receive a refund from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I tell the council I'm moving? expand_more
Notify your council as soon as possible — ideally on the day you move. You'll need to tell both your old council (to stop your bill) and your new council (to start your bill). Most councils allow you to do this online.
Do I pay council tax on two properties when moving? expand_more
You should only pay council tax on your main residence. On your moving day, liability transfers from the old property to the new one. Make sure to notify both councils to avoid double-billing.
What if I move to a different council area? expand_more
You'll need to contact both councils separately. Close your account with the old council and register with the new one. Any overpayment on the old account will be refunded.