Council Tax for Students in the UK: Exemptions, Mixed Houses, and How to Avoid Bills

Council tax rules look confusing at first, but most full time students pay nothing. The key is knowing who counts as a full time student, what to send the council, and how mixed student and non student households are treated. Use this guide to stay exempt and avoid accidental bills or enforcement letters.

Who counts as a full time student

You are usually classed as a full time student if:

• Your course lasts at least one academic year
• You study for at least 24 weeks in each academic year
• You study for at least 21 hours per week during term time

Your university can confirm your status. International students can qualify the same as UK students if they meet the course criteria.

When a property is fully exempt

A property is normally exempt from council tax if it is:

• Halls of residence run by a university or college
• A household where every adult is a full time student

This is often called a Class N exemption. No council tax is due while the whole household remains fully student only.

Mixed student and non student houses

• One non student with students. The non student is usually liable for the bill. The council should apply a student disregard for all full time students in the property, which can trigger a 25 percent single person discount if only one adult counts for council tax.
• Two or more non students. The normal rules apply. Student disregards still reduce the number of chargeable adults, but there may be no single person discount.
• Couples. If one partner is a full time student and the other is not, the non student is usually liable. A 25 percent discount can apply because only one adult is counted.

Part time, interruption, and placement years

• Part time students do not get the student disregard and can be liable.
• Temporary interruption or leave of absence can affect eligibility. Check with your university and the council.
• Placement or sandwich years count as full time in many cases if they are part of your course. Get a status letter that confirms the placement is integral to your degree.

Proof you will be asked for

• A student status or council tax exemption certificate from your university with your full name, course, and dates
• Your tenancy agreement or proof of address
• Names of everyone living in the property and their student status

Download the certificate from your student portal or ask your registry office. Send it to the council as soon as you move in.

Summer and moving house

• If your course continues and you are still enrolled, you are usually still exempt over the summer.
• If your course has ended and you are waiting to graduate, the exemption may end on the last day you are officially a student.
• Always tell the council your exact move in and move out dates. Keep emails and acknowledgements.

Joint tenancies vs individual tenancies

• Joint tenancy student house. If all tenants are full time students, claim the full exemption.
• Individual room contracts. Each room is usually assessed, but the same rules apply. Provide proof for each student.

What to do if you receive a bill

1. Do not ignore it. Contact the council promptly and say you are a full time student.
2. Attach your student certificate and list the names of all student housemates.
3. Ask the council to apply Class N exemption or the correct student disregards.
4. Keep a written record of everything you send and any replies.

If reminders arrive while a decision is pending, reply with your case reference and evidence again so enforcement does not progress.

Discounts and reductions you might miss

• Single person discount of 25 percent if only one adult is counted
• Severe mental impairment disregard for eligible residents
• Council reduction schemes for low income non students who share with students

These apply on top of student disregards where the rules are met.

Landlord and agent misunderstandings

Agents sometimes add council tax wording to tenancy packs without checking student status. The tenant’s liability depends on the law and occupancy, not a clause in a template. If an agent demands council tax from a fully student household, reply politely with your certificates and ask them to contact the council.

Enforcement and why speed matters

Unpaid council tax can escalate to reminders, court orders, and enforcement. If you are exempt, quick communication stops escalation. Keep evidence of your student status and send it early.

Common scenarios answered

We live in a four bed house and all four are full time students
Send student certificates for all four. The property should be fully exempt.

We have three students and one working friend
The working friend is usually liable but should receive a 25 percent single person discount because the three students are disregarded.

I switched from full time to part time mid year
Tell the council immediately. You may become liable from the date your status changed.

My partner is a non student and I am full time
Your partner is usually liable. A 25 percent discount may apply because only one adult is counted.

I am on a compulsory industry placement
Ask your university for a certificate that confirms the placement is part of your full time course. Send it to the council with dates.

We moved out in June and the council billed us for July
Send proof of move out date and your new address or halls confirmation. Ask them to amend the bill period.

Step by step checklist you can copy

• Before you move, download your student status certificate with correct address and dates
• On move in day, submit an online exemption form or email the council with all housemates’ certificates
• Save receipt emails and a PDF of your submission
• If a bill arrives, reply within a week with the certificates and tenancy dates
• On moving out or status change, notify the council and keep confirmations

Quick template email

Subject: Council tax exemption request for 21 Meadow Road, Student Household

Hello Council Tax Team,

I am a full time student at [University], course dates [start] to [end]. I live at 21 Meadow Road from [move in date]. This property is occupied only by full time students:

• [Name], [University], student number [X]
• [Name], [University], student number [X]
• [Name], [University], student number [X]
• [Name], [University], student number [X]

Attached are our student status certificates and the tenancy agreement. Please apply the student exemption to this property. Let me know if you need any other information.

Kind regards,
[Your name]
[Contact number]

Mistakes to avoid

• Waiting for letters instead of submitting proof on day one
• Sending photos of a student ID instead of the correct certificate
• Assuming a housemate handled it when the council has no record
• Ignoring a reminder notice because you already emailed once

Frequently asked questions

Do international students get the same exemption
Yes, if they meet the full time definition and course criteria.

Do PhD candidates qualify
Yes, if the university confirms full time status.

Does a gap between degree and masters count
No. You are only exempt while an enrolled full time student.

Can the council backdate the exemption
Often yes if you provide proof for the period, but do not rely on it. Send documents as early as possible.

A few organised emails and the right certificate are all most student houses need for a zero bill. Confirm everyone’s status, send proof on move in, and keep records. If a bill arrives by mistake, reply quickly with the certificates and dates, and the council should correct it.