Council tax and students/professionals

[wiregig]

Good morning!


I am rather new in the 'landlord world' and just have two properties right now.

One of my properties is vacant. I have a bunch of 3 friends in their mid 20s interested in renting and sharing it.
2 of them are professionals, the other one is student + part time worker to get herself pocket money.

What they would like to do is make the student sign the agreement so that they avoid the council tax since the council wont know there are professionals living there.

I have no idea what to do... I would be tempted to accept this as the property will therefore be let this week but I am not quite sure about the consequences for me.


Any advice on this matter would be really appreciated!
Thanks

[Tax Accountant]

Good morning!


I am rather new in the 'landlord world' and just have two properties right now.

One of my properties is vacant. I have a bunch of 3 friends in their mid 20s interested in renting and sharing it.
2 of them are professionals, the other one is student + part time worker to get herself pocket money.

What they would like to do is make the student sign the agreement so that they avoid the council tax since the council wont know there are professionals living there.

I have no idea what to do... I would be tempted to accept this as the property will therefore be let this week but I am not quite sure about the consequences for me.


Any advice on this matter would be really appreciated!
Thanks

Not recommended.

Where will this leave you if there was a problem with rent payment, damage to property, legal proceedings etc?

Ramnik

[Surrey]

Whatever the tenants do about Council Tax once they have taken up the tenancy is up to them, but you should point out to them that as they are all going to be living there, for their own protection they should all sign the agreement.

It would also be dangerous for Student to be the only signatory, as they would be the only one you could pursue for rent arrears if they defaulted - so definitely not in Student's best interests to be the only signatory! They should just accept their responsibilities.

But I would worry about tenants who want to buck the system - if they're trying to get out of Council Tax, will they be trying to get out of paying rent as well?

Oh, and do make sure you get your inventory signed.