broken tenancy council tax

taxus

Can anyone advise me on a matter thats causing me distress. I got offered a flat in october and it ended in january. The reason why the tenancy broke is because i couldnt get any energy into the flat by way of the only one supplier not letting go of an previous account tenancy in arrears. Within a month the flat was boarded up because apparently the neighbour from downstairs saw smoke coming from his flat because of a leak from mine, The fire dept regarded this as a matter that needed the whole door coming off. So for the past month had no way of staying in. Council didnt bother fixing the door in a few weeks so cancelled tenancy.
I find myself still liable to pay rent for a property i coudnt move into. And now iv recieved a letter stating that i have to pay council tax. I told them i coudnt move in yet so they have decided to take off 25% discount they gave me and say i have to pay the full amount. The council tax has come half a year after the tenancy has expired. I cannot afford to pay 500 for rent and 500 for council tax on a property iv not moved into. I am on UC and have no way to afford this. Can anyone advise anything i could do to ease the situation. I have recieved no letters or any form of cummunication and thick my housing officer applied for me. They took a direct debit out without me knowing leavin me in minus.any advise ? Thanks.

Alex_Alumni

Hi @taxus and thanks for reaching out, I'm so sorry to hear about what happened with the flat, and the requests that you pay council tax. I would strongly encourage you to reach out to Shelter, who can offer better support with housing issues.

How are you managing things at the moment, are you living somewhere safe?

taxus

Hi @Alex_Scope and thanks for the reply. I will give shelter a call and see if they can advice.

Things are so what better at the moment as i have found a place to stay for a while but taking extra steps to become a little more better ie another flat. Many thanks.

Alex_Alumni

That's good to hear @taxus do let us know how things go for you Things might be feeling unsettled lately, but it sounds like you're taking the right steps. 

We're here if you have any or questions or would like support in the meantime!