Thousands of households across the UK could avoid paying for a second TV licence thanks to a little-known rule
You could be paying for a TV licence when you don’t need to be (Image: Getty)
Could you be paying for a second TV Licence without needing one? A little-known rule means some UK households can legally avoid the extra cost, although there’s one important catch you’ll need to know first.
A standard colour TV Licence now costs £180 a year and is required if you watch or record live TV on any channel or streaming service, or use BBC iPlayer. That applies whether you’re watching on a television, laptop, tablet or smartphone. However, not everyone needs to pay for a second licence. Under TV Licensing rules, some households with certain types of second property can rely on their existing licence instead provided they meet specific conditions.
This is great news for anyone with a static caravan, mobile home or moveable chalet. This means many owners may not need to pay an extra £180 to watch television when staying away.
The key condition is that live TV or BBC iPlayer cannot be watched at both your main home and the second property at the same time. If television receiving equipment is being used simultaneously at both addresses, you’ll need a separate TV Licence for the second property.
TV Licensing also asks eligible customers to complete a non-simultaneous use declaration confirming that television equipment will never be used at both locations at the same time. The declaration applies to static caravans, mobile homes and moveable chalets, rather than permanent second homes such as houses or flats
BBC iPlayer (Image: Getty)
The exemption does not extend to conventional second homes. If your second property is a house, flat, bungalow or cottage, you’ll generally need a separate TV Licence to watch live television or use BBC iPlayer there, regardless of whether your main home is already licensed.
There are also special rules for portable devices. If you’re watching live TV or BBC iPlayer on a device powered solely by its own internal battery and it isn’t plugged into the mains or connected to an aerial, your main home’s TV Licence can usually cover you when you’re away.
For families who regularly spend weekends or holidays in a static caravan or holiday chalet, understanding the rules could prevent paying for an unnecessary second licence. But if there is any chance that live TV or BBC iPlayer will be used at both addresses simultaneously, a separate licence will still be required.