Unfurnished properties
If your property is unoccupied and unfurnished, you might be entitled to a 100% discount for up to two months.
This discount starts from the date the property became unoccupied and substantially unfurnished. The discount does not start again if the property changes hands. For properties unoccupied and unfurnished for longer than two months, there is no discount.
Long Term Empty Properties
Properties unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for two years or more, will be charged a Long Term Empty Dwellings Premium; meaning an additional charge will be added to the Council Tax bill. See the Long Term Empty Properties page for more information.
If your property is in a good state of repair, then letting may be an option?
For information on bringing empty homes back into use, please visit our Empty Homes page.
Uninhabitable Properties
Properties needing major repairs or undergoing structural alterations, may qualify for a 25% discount (max. 12 months). If after reading the
guidance notes
(PDF)
[135KB]
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, you think you will qualify, return the
application form
(PDF)
[137KB]
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and supporting evidence. Please return the completed form either by email: counciltax@e-lindsey.gov.uk or by post to Council Tax, East Lindsey District Council, The Hub, Mareham Road, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6PH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why am I paying for an empty property - I am not using any of the services?
A. Council Tax is a way of raising public money. This helps pay for local services and contributes towards police and fire services. Council Tax is not a charge for specific services; it applies to all domestic properties, whether occupied or not.
Q. I am being billed for my empty property, but it is up for sale. Is there any reduction due?
A. The relevant discounts and charges are detailed above. There is no extra allowance for a property that is up for sale.