Does Rental include council tax?

[BlondieMum01]

Quick question - when you see an advertised rental price, does that usually include council tax?

What does rent usually include?

(Sorry - expat moving to Britain....just trying to get a handle on costs etc).

Thanks for any information.

[BaroqueAroundTheClock]

No - rent is just the rent, (usually - in some cases utilities may be included - but that's usually only if you're going to be moving into a shared property).

rent bascially covers the same as your mortgage does - a roof over your head.

If you're looking at a particular area you can go onto the local council website and should be able to find a list of the council tax bands. Now most rental adverts don't show what "band" the property is in - but you can at least get an idea of the cost for that looking at the council websites. Some parts of the country are significantly more expensive (both in rent and council tax) than others.

[LIZS]

No you pay CT on top, usually also water and utilities. What should be included is an annual Gas safety certificate, general maintenance to fabric of the property and white goods/furnishings as advertised but your lease may specify this in more detail (ie. garden may well be tenant's responsibility). You usually pay a deposit of more than a month's rent ( to be held in a regulated scheme) plus a month in advance.

[BlondieMum01]

Thanks for such prompt and detailed replies.