If you're an occupant in an HMO, you're not responsible for council tax; the landlord or freeholder is and must have a Property License.

If bailiffs are chasing you for unpaid council tax, you have the right to tell the council to make a Quashing Order to stop the bailiffs from pursuing you.

The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006 states an HMO is any dwelling shared communally by individuals from different households, each with their rooms but sharing common areas such as the kitchen and living room. These properties are often student accommodations or house and flat-shares.

Section 6 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 clearly outlines who is liable for council tax.

Landlords operating an HMO must have a property license, as stipulated in the Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation (England) Regulations 2006.

If you're a house-sharer and a bailiff is contacting you about council tax, remember, you're not liable. Politely direct them to your landlord or managing letting agency. They're the ones responsible for this matter.