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Nidirect brings together lots of information from government departments and agencies, written in a language that is easy to understand. You don't need to know the workings of government to find what you are after.

Landlords

In this page you can find the following information:

How to qualify as a landlord.

To qualify as a landlord you must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a portfolio of one or more properties that you rent to tenants;
  • Be able to provide LPS with a current tenancy agreement for each of these properties;
  • Agree to be responsible for rates for all the properties in the portfolio
  • Have properties with rateable values as follows:
  • Less than £150,000 for domestic properties
  • Less than £1,590 for business properties.

How to apply

If you feel that you meet all the necessary criteria you can apply to LPS for landlord 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 LPS on the helpline 101, Minicom 18001101 and ask to speak to the landlords team who can deal with your request directly. (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 landlord status. LPS will then:

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

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 can complete and return the relevant form to LPS.

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

Alternatively, you can call LPS on the helpline 101, Minicom 18001101 and ask to speak to the landlords team who can deal with your request directly.

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 of the 7.5% 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

  • If one of your rental properties becomes vacant, you may not have to pay rates on this property.
  • A property is considered vacant if it is entirely unfurnished. It must contain no furniture whatsoever. Therefore, if a property contains a single chair or a single table it will be considered furnished and this exemption will not apply.

If you wish to claim exemption you must contact LPS immediately and you must continue to the pay the rates for the property until the property has been verified as being vacant. This may require the process of an application form and an inspection of the property.

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 deal with your request directly.

If a vacancy is granted you may be entitled to a refund on any overpayment made for the property.

Change of ownership

If the ownership of one of your properties changes you must provide written proof to LPS. 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.

You should do this immediately 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: