Paying Bills

Utility bills

·          Which bills you are obliged to pay will vary depending on which landlord/letting agency you are renting with. However, it’s likely you will be responsible for payment of all the utilities you use, i.e. gas, electricity, water and telephone.

·          It’s recommended that all housemates give their names to utility companies, instead of just one person’s. This ensures all tenants are responsible for the payment of bills and if there’s a problem with a late payment you will all be held accountable.

TV licence

·          A colour TV licence costs £139.50 a year. Any student using television equipment without a valid TV licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1000.

·          Each room in a hall of residence is a separately occupied place, so if you have a TV in your room you will need your own licence.

·          If your shared house is treated as one place shared by all (a joint tenancy agreement indicates this) then one TV licence covers all TVs within the accommodation.

·          You can claim a refund for any completely unused quarter on your TV licence. In order to obtain a refund for the summer quarter (July, August and September) you need to buy your TV licence at the beginning of your first term.

Council Tax

·          Generally, if you are a full time student you will NOT be liable for council tax.  

·          For further information on council tax liability and students look at the NUS Welfare Unit’s in-depth information sheet, click here.