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Agents

In this page you can find the following information:

How to qualify as an agent

To qualify as an agent you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a portfolio of one or more properties that you own and rent to tenants.
  • Have accepted rates liability for all properties within the portfolio.
  • Have an Agent Agreement form signed and witnessed by another person of 18 years of age or over - this agreement will remain in force until the 31st March in any year.

The landlord’s residential address and any personal holiday homes/second homes the landlord may own cannot be included on the Agent schedule, as these properties are not eligible for the 15% discount.

Important notice:

You cannot claim a vacant property exemption if you have agent status.

How to apply

If you feel that you meet all the necessary criteria you can apply to LPS for agent status.

You must complete and return the relevant form to LPS.

You can download the form by clicking on the link below:

Alternatively, you can call the LPS helpline on 101, Minicom 18001101 and ask to speak to the landlords team who can issue a form to you. (The alternative number for those calling from outside Northern Ireland or who are unable to access the 101 service is 02891 513101.)

Successful applications

If you meet the qualifying criteria, you will be granted agent status. LPS will then:

  • Amend your rate account to reflect that you are an agent.
  • Issue you with a new bill (unless you have already paid your current rate bill(s).

All properties that meet the criteria and have the same billing address can be listed under one rate payer number. This allows you to receive a single schedule of properties or bill for payment each year, instead of individual bills.

Rejected applications

If you do not meet the qualifying criteria, LPS will contact you to let you know.

If LPS needs more information, they will contact you directly.

How to add another property to an existing rate bill

If you wish to add another rental property to your portfolio, you must detail your request in writing and send to the address below:

LPS - Central Landlords Team
Room 505
Londonderry House
21-27 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 4JB

Alternatively, you can call the LPS helpline on 101, Minicom 18001101 and ask to speak to the landlords team. However, LPS will still need written confirmation.

What happens if you add a new property after 30 September?

If you add another property to your portfolio after the 30th September, you will be issued with a bill for this individual property. To avail ofthe 15%allowance, payment must be received by the date quoted on the bill; you will be given one month. If payment is not received by this time the allowance will not be awarded

Vacant properties

No periods of vacancy can be claimed on this type of account. If one of your rental properties becomes vacant, you will still have to pay rates on this on this property.  

Change of ownership

If the ownership of one of your properties changes you must inform LPS. Applications to remove a property from an Agent’s Schedule must be made before the start of the rating year. Please send this to:

LPS - Central Landlords Team
Room 505
Londonderry House
21-27 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 4JB

Alternatively you can call the LPS helpline on 101, Minicom 18001101 and ask to speak to someone from the landlords team, but written confirmation will still be needed.

You should inform LPS immediately of any change of ownership otherwise you will continue to receive a rate bill for this property.

Providing proof of change of ownership

You must provide a copy of the solicitor’s letter showing the following:

  • Completion date of the sale; and
  • Name and contact details of the new owner; or
  • Name of the solicitor/estate agent who acted on behalf of the new owner

How to pay your rate bill

For full details on how you can pay your landlord’s rate account, please click on the link below: