[nickydwuk]

Our house has been empty since we left in September but we have kept up with the rates etc... If the house is not being lived in does anyone know whether we should get a reduction in rates or even not pay any at all?

[Duncan74]

If its empty (not furnished) then I think you get the first 6 months free, then need to pay. However some councils do offer a discount on the full price, althogh not that much I think. Daft as if you move 1 person in then you get a 25% discount. Your Local Authority website should explain the policy in the FAQ.

EG Tameside:- http://www.tameside.gov.uk/corpgen3/emptfaq.htm free for 6 months, 50% discount after that.

Medway http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/council/counciltax/25355.htm free for 6 months, no discount after that.

[IanW99]

If its empty (not furnished) then I think you get the first 6 months free, then need to pay. However some councils do offer a discount on the full price, althogh not that much I think. Daft as if you move 1 person in then you get a 25% discount. Your Local Authority website should explain the policy in the FAQ.

Are you talking about the UK? I think the OP means their NZ house?

Ian

[Duncan74]

Doh. Thrown by the location (and general direction of migration), forgot previous posts. Sorry Nicky, clearly no idea for the rules in NZ.

Duncan

[peebles16]

I can try and check tomorrow at work Nicky if you'd like :yes You're not up for trying the rental route are you?

Karenx

[wilson182]

Sorry Nicky no joy at the Waimak!! We pay rates on land value, and it doesnt matter if the house is empty or not.

[nickydwuk]

Thanks Debbie. Just a thought. If we rent the house then is the tennant liable for the rates and how would we go about that? We are exploring every avenue at the moment.

[KatieBen]

We are currently renting and our landlord is liable for the rates and the water standing charges. We pay for only the water we use (and electricity and gas of course).

[peebles16]

Yep generally the landlord pays rates and water Nicky although I suppose you could factor those costs into what ever rent you charge....

Best of luck
Karenx

[eternalkiwi]

As the others have mentioned rates are usually fixed per property, though some councils do not charge unoccupied properties for certain additional service charges that are included in rates, e.g. refuse collection or community services.

Shawn

[Madoxen]

Hi nickydwuk, Just my view on this but surly if you rent the property the income will pay for any of your bills, so rather than costing you each month you will be earning ??. and if you keep the rent income in nz you will have the NZD there should you need to do any maintanence or repairs on the property or even paying the rates while it may be temporaraly not let.

anyways like i said was just my thoughts on this hope it helps.

[nickydwuk]

It is an avenue we are looking into. But we really want our goods out of the house so it is empty when rented so we have to look as how we will pay the cost of storage. Nothing is ever straight forward :(

[peebles16]

There may be mileage in renting it furnished Nicky for those relocating and waiting for their container - is it something you've thought about? Furnished rentals are popular and you can charge a premium :D However, I appreciate it must be really hard trying to do things remotely so if we can help a wee bit this end give us a shout :)

Cheers
Karenx

[nickydwuk]

Thanks Karen. Our concern about renting furnished is that we bought all dining room, sitting room & bedroom furniture brand new and are worried that some tennants may not be as careful with them as we were. I have heard some horror stories in the past.