Housing Advice

 

Aston Student's Union

Aston Student Homes is Aston Student Union's official accommodation support service. 

More information on finding somewhere to live, tenancy agreements and landlord checks can be found in the Housing section of the Students' Union website.

 

Council Tax

Council Tax helps to pay for services provided by local government. Full-time students can apply for exemption.

What is Council Tax?

Council Tax helps to pay for services provided by local government. In Birmingham it is payable to Birmingham City Council.

Who has to pay it?

All students need to order a Council Tax Exemption Certificate.
Full-time students do not normally pay Council Tax, however you may need to apply for a Council Tax Exemption Certificate on My Aston Portal (MAP).

You are a full-time student if you are on a University course lasting for at least one academic year, for at least 24 weeks a year and are required to study for at least 21 hours per week during term time.

I live in Aston University accommodation, do I have to pay Council Tax?

Full-time students do not normally pay Council Tax, however you will need to apply for a Council Tax Exemption Certificate on My Aston Portal (MAP).

At Aston Brook Green the three and four bed flats are exempt from Council Tax. However, the one bedroom flats may attract Council Tax if you share the flat with someone who isn't a student, although the bill will be theirs to pay.

I live off-campus, do I have to pay Council Tax?

If you live in privately rented accommodation, either alone or with other full-time students only, you are exempt from Council Tax. You will need to apply for Council Tax Exemption Certificate every year and prove that you are a full-time student. If you are enrolled at Aston as part of an exchange programme with another EU university you are eligible for council tax exemption.  To prove exemption we issue letters which confirm your student status at Aston University with additional confirmation of the exchange programme. These letters are normally accepted by Birmingham City Council though we cannot 100% guarantee this.

If you live with other full-time students, each one of you will need to apply for your own Exemption Certificate.

If you live with someone who isn't a full-time student, your accommodation will attract Council Tax, although the bill will be theirs to pay

As an exchange programme student, am I exempt from Council Tax?

If you are enrolled at Aston as part of an exchange programme with another EU university you are eligible for council tax exemption.  To prove exemption we issue letters which confirm your student status at Aston University with additional confirmation of the exchange programme. These letters are normally accepted by Birmingham City Council though we cannot 100% guarantee this.

How do I get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate?

You can apply for your Council Tax certificate via MAP. When you order your certificate there is a link to an exemption form that you need to download, complete and send by post to the address on the form.

New students can apply on MAP from the third week of their first term. Returning students can apply at the start of the academic year. If you are re-sitting without full attendance, ask staff at The Hub reception desk for the exemption form because MAP will not work in these circumstances.

Students living within the Birmingham City Council area who complete the MAP task will have their details forwarded electronically directly to the Council, normally within 10 working days of their request. You should receive confirmation of this when you complete the MAP task.

Students living outside the Birmingham City Council area will be able to collect a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from the Advice Zone at The Hub immediately after requesting it on MAP.

If you have a query about Council Tax exemption, please visit the Advice Zone at The Hub or telephone 0121 204 4007.

What happens if I take leave of absence?

If you have taken a leave of absence from your studies, you still count as being a full-time student, and are exempt from council tax.

Am I liable for Council Tax if I share with non students?

If you live with with non-students, you do not have to pay Council Tax, however the non-student(s) will have to pay. If only one person you share with is not a student, they will be entitled to a single persons discount of 25% on their council tax. Find out more about the Single Persons Discount on the Birmingham City Council website.

If you own the property then the situation is different and you should contact the Hub for more information.

Does my partner/spouse have to pay Council Tax

As a full time student you are exempt from paying Council Tax. If your spouse or partner is not a full-time student, they will need to pay Council Tax.

If your spouse or partner is the only person in your home who needs to pay Counncil Tax, they will be entitled to a single persons discount of 25%. Find out more about the Single Persons Discount on the Birmingham City Council website.

If your spouse or partner cannot afford to pay, they may be able to claim council tax benefit.

Is it any different for International Students with partners or spouses?

The non-EEA spouse or dependent of an international student will not have to pay Council Tax if their UK visa prevents them from either taking paid employment or from claiming public funds.

As most spouses can work, it is the fact that they are not allowed to claim public funds which means they are exempt from Council Tax. However, if you lose your council tax exemption status because the University cannot issue a certificate for some reason, you and your spouse you will be liable to pay council tax.

What about my placement year?

If you're on a placement year and are sharing with other full-time students, you do not have to pay Council Tax. It does not matter whether your placement is paid or unpaid.

The Council Tax Exemption Certificate from the University may still be used.

I am a UK PhD Student, do I have to pay Council Tax?

PhD students are exempt from Council Tax if they meet the criteria of a full-time student. However, when you enter writing up status you will only be exempt from paying Council Tax for the first three months of that period. This is due to the fact that PhD students in the writing up stage are not classed as students for the purposes of Council Tax.

How much is Council Tax in Birmingham?

Council Tax charges vary according to where you live and which Council Tax band your house is in. Council Tax is paid yearly and the amount rises annually. Years run from 1st April to 31st March.

You can find the latest Council Tax bands on the Birmingham City Council website.

How do I contact the Council Tax Office in Birmingham?

Visit the website: www.birmingham.gov.uk/council-tax

What if my Landlord needs a copy of my Council Tax Exemption Certificate?

Birmingham City Council will provide you with a Zero Bill to give to your Landlord. This is sent to you by post once the Council have received confirmation of your student status.

How can I get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate for my parents? I live on Campus so cannot order it on MAP?

We can print a paper copy for your parents if you come to the Advice Zone at The Hub.

How do I get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate for my home address which is out of Birmingham?

You will not be able to order a certificate through MAP, but we can print one for you at the Advice Zone at The Hub.

I have done everything that Birmingham Council requires but they are still sending me bills and letters - what can I do?

You will need to phone Birmingham City Council and let them know that you are on the latest Aston University spreadsheet, which is sent to them electronically from The Hub on a weekly basis. Before you phone, ask staff at the Advice Zone in The Hub for the number of the spreadsheet on which your details appear as this information can make all the difference. fsf

If this doesn't solve the problem then come to see us in the Advice Zone at The Hub and we will contact Birmingham City Council on your behalf. Make sure that you bring any letters you have received with you as they should contain your reference number.