Rates deadline for landlords and agents fast approaching

Time is running out for landlords and agents who want to benefit from a reduction on their rates bills.

The Land & Property Services has reminded landlords and agents that their rates should be paid in full by 30 September 2009 in order to receive an allowance on the total amount of their bill.

Landlord and agent status is available to all landlords in Northern Ireland who own, and have accepted, rates liability for domestic or business property/properties. This does not include their residential address, second homes or personal holiday homes.

A spokesperson for the Land & Property Services said: "Landlords can benefit from a 7.5% allowance on the total amount of their bill, if paid in full and credited to the Land & Property Services account by 30 September 2009. Those with agent status can benefit from a 15% allowance on the total amount of their bill provided it is paid in full and credited to the Land & Property Services account by the 30 September 2009 also.

“I would remind landlords and agents that they should allow 5 working days for their payment to be processed if paying via cheque or through the bank or building society. If payment is made via the Post Office, they should allow 10 working days for the Land & Property Services account to be credited. If it is not credited with the full amount by 30 September 2009 they will not receive their allowance."

Notes to editors:

1. Landlord status - to qualify to receive this allowance you must meet the following criteria:

• have a portfolio of one or more properties that you rent to tenants;
• be able to provide Land & Property Services with a current tenancy agreement for each property within the portfolio;
• the rateable value of properties within the portfolio must be;
• less than £150,000 for domestic properties;
• less than £1,590 for business properties;
• agree to be responsible for the payment of rates on all properties within the portfolio.

2. Agent status is available to anyone with a rented property regardless of the capital value for a domestic property or Net Annual Valuation for a non-domestic property. No tenancy agreements are required for this type of account.

3. More detailed information about landlord and agent status can be found on the LPS website or on the NI Direct website

4. Further information can also be obtained from the Centralised Landlords Team:

5. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7417. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.