Council Tax

If you are living in private rented accommodation, you are normally required to pay Council Tax to the local authority in the area where you live. However most full-time students will be eligible for an exemption from paying this tax. See the information from Citizens Advice about students and Council Tax.

When you move into private rented accommodation, you will need to notify your local authority of all people who are living there. If you are all full-time student eligible for Council Tax exemption, you will need to demonstrate your eligibility for Council Tax exemption, using a Council Tax exemption certificate which you can get support with from the University Student Support at Nest. 

Living with people who aren’t eligible for Council Tax exemption

If you live with anyone who isn’t eligible for a Council Tax exemption, they will be required to pay a Council Tax bill. If only one non-eligible person is in the property, you should be eligible for a 25% single occupant discount. This means tnon-students living in the property will have to pay 75% of the normal bill. If two or more people living in a property are not eligible for a Council Tax exemption, they will be required to pay the full bill.

Council Tax and interrupting or leaving your studies

If you interrupt your studies, your liability to pay Council Tax is less straightforward. In some instances, students taking an interruption from a full-time degree may still receive a Council Tax exemption if they will be returning to their studies in the next academic year. We would recommend clarifying your eligibility with the University Student Support at Nest if you are not sure of your status for the purpose of Council Tax exemption.

If you are considering leaving or interrupting your studies, it is important to know that there may be other significant financial implications. Our pages contain further information on the financial impact of interrupting or withdrawing from study.