Business rates - 2 bedroom flat

[Gary310]

Dear all,

I let my council know I was operating an Airbnb from a 2 bedroom ground floor maisonette, hoping for some help in being eligible for Small Business rates relief. Also any potential grants to assist through this difficult period.

I have just received a £20,000 bill for business rates which covers the last 3 years since I have been in operation!

The valuation office has given me a rateable value of £15250, this put me outside of small business rates relief.

I contacted my council who advise me to apply for any grants etc, which no doubt will take time but of course will be appreciated, however, going forward there is no way I could continue paying rates of around £7500 each year, it just doesn't add up!

Any thoughts or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards,

Gary

[Clare167]

Have you looked at gov.uk @Gary310 ? I just did and it says that business rates are payable if it is "available to rent" for 140 days a year, or more. If by any chance you took, and especially if you recorded, a decision not to let for more than (say) 100 days a year (I did this, so as to keep income tax simpler, not get into "furnished holiday lettings"), you could perhaps fight the liability? Plus, over the last year with its multiple lockdowns, has your place been available to rent to that extent? Also, it says that you can appeal against rateable value.

[Gary310]

Hi Clare,

Thank you for being kind enough to respond and share this information 🙂

I am operating as a FHL so I really need to appeal against this valuation.

You are right, the last year should be removed and I am confident I wont need to pay that.

I have looked in to a local independent surveyor to appeal this valuation, of course its not cheap!

I think on this occasion it is better left to a professional.

I am operating in North West London, if anyone here recommends anyone, it would be appreciated.

Kind regards