Guides to your rates
What changes a Northern Ireland rates bill, who can get help with it, and what to do when you move, build or disagree with your valuation. Each guide is checked against nidirect, the Department of Finance and the legislation, and links to them.
All guides
- 1 Jan 2005How your bill is worked outCapital value times your council's rate, step by step, with the 2005 valuation and the cap.
- 4%Instalments and the early payment discountTen instalments or one payment, the discount date, ways to pay, and missed payments.
- 20%Lone Pensioner AllowanceFor people aged 70 or over who live alone. Not means tested.
- 25%Disabled Persons AllowanceFor homes with an adaptation a disabled person living there needs.
- Pension ageHousing Benefit and Rate ReliefMeans-tested help for people of pension age, from the Housing Executive.
- 3 monthsRate Rebate (Universal Credit)Help with rates for homeowners and tenants on Universal Credit.
- 28 daysChallenge your capital valueReviews, appeals, the 28-day deadlines, and what each £10,000 is worth.
- £20,000Empty homes and second homesEmpty homes pay the same. The exclusions, and how second homes are rated.
- Day oneNew builds: when rates startWhen rates become due, getting valued, and avoiding a backdated bill.
- By the dayRates when you move housePart-year bills by the day, refunds, and what to tell LPS.