Housing Advice and Council Tax

Aston Students' 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 do not normally pay Council Tax and can apply for exemption.

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 per year and you are required to study for at least 21 hours per week during term time.

In Birmingham, Council Tax is payable to Birmingham City Council.  Aston University automatically provide a list of full-time students to Birmingham City Council, however you may need to apply for a Council Tax Exemption Certificate via My Aston Portal (MAP).

Council Tax charges vary according to where you live and which Council Tax band your property is in.  Council Tax is paid yearly and the amount rises annually.  The Council Tax year is a financial year that runs from 1st April to 31st March.

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I live with other students so what do we do about 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 prove that you are a full-time student for exemption each year. 

If you live with other full-time students, each one of you will need to evidence your own Council Tax exemption.

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

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.

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 guarantee this.

I am a 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.

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 Council 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 and they are not restricted from receiving public funds, 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 any 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.

What happens if I take a Leave of Absence?

If you have taken a leave of absence from your studies, you are still regarded as being a full-time student and are exempt from Council Tax.

How can I get a Council Tax Exemption Certificate?

Aston University automatically provide a list of full-time students living with the Birmingham City Council area to the Council electronically. 

If you need a Council Tax Exemption Certificate, you can request this via MAP.  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, please request the Council Tax Exemption Certificate by email to thehub@aston.ac.uk as the MAP request may not work in this circumstance.

Students living outside the Birmingham City Council area will be able to request a Council Tax Exemption Certificate from MAP and this will be sent to you electronically the following working day.

If you live on campus but want to request a Council Tax Exemption Certificate for your parents, contact the Hub at thehub@aston.ac.uk or call 0121 204 4007 as you cannot request this via MAP.

If your home (not term-time) address is out of Birmingham and you want to request a Council Tax Exemption Certificate, contact the Hub at thehub@aston.ac.uk or call 0121 204 4007 as you cannot request this via MAP.

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 once the Council have received confirmation of your full-time student status.

How do I contact the Council Tax Office in Birmingham?

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

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 call Birmingham City Council and let them know that you are on the latest Aston University spreadsheet, which is sent to them electronically. Before you call, ask staff in The Hub for the number of the spreadsheet on which your details appear as this information will be critical.

If this doesn't solve the problem, please contact The Hub and we will attempt to contact Birmingham City Council on your behalf. Please ensure that you provide copies of any letters you have received as they should contain your reference number.

Last updated: 24/02/2024 KB