Christmas 2012 Newsletter
Donegal Lettings & Property Management Ltd.
The Current Rental Market
Donegal Lettings sees slightly more demand now for smaller, energy efficient properties close to Town & Village centres. There is less downward pressure on rents of late and with the opening of the new Aldi store in Donegal Town, Donegal Lettings expects demand to increase in the area.
We urgently require 3 bedrooms properties close to Donegal Town.
Tax Return on Rental Income
Even if a loss is made on your rental property you must still file a tax return. The deadline is extended until 15th November for those that file their returns on-line.
Frost
Please CAREFULLY CHECK the requirements(often in small print) on your property insurance policy. With regard to vacant properties, some insurance companies are demanding heat be left on full time or that heating and water systems be drained down by qualified plumber. The mains water is easy to do but the heating system is another matter, as all water needs to be removed by air pressure from ALL the pipe work and radiators. Alternatively adding anti-freeze to water in heating system will prevent the system freezing up. The shower/toilet bowl, cistern also needs draining.
• Local plumbers will charge €60 on average, to drain down all the systems. Whenever you wish to use the property or property is relet, the system will need to be filled up again. The refilling process can be more problematic as airlocks can occur and the boiler will need to be checked etc.
• Donegal Lettings are not covered to act as caretakers of property. We will however, if there, check that all is well. We recommend that a neighbour/friend be given a key and asked to check things periodically during cold weather.
Useful Numbers
• Plumbers: Liam Boylan 086 852 0090
Eamon Mc Cafferty 087 2771043
Luke Mc Gee 087 2886464
• Electrician: Adrian Gallagher 086 8310669
NPPR Charge: The Local Government (Charges) Act 2009 provides for an annual charge of €200 on certain residential property. The next payment date for the NPPR is before the 30th June 2013.
While the Act does not use the term “non principal private residence” as such, it does provide for an exemption from the charge for owners of residential property where the property in question is the “sole or main residence” of the owner concerned.
A non principal private residence is any dwelling which is not the owner’s normal home. Donegal Lettings have become aware of many owners, being unaware, through no fault of their own, of this self assessment tax. Unlike the TV license requirement & recent Digital TV switchover, no notifications have been sent direct to properties. The annual charge and penalties will be allowed to accumulate on the property for settlement if and when a property changes ownership.
Household Charge: The Household Charge is an annual charge, currently €100.00 introduced by the Local Government (Household Charge) Act 2011 which is payable by owners of residential property. It is a matter for owners of residential properties to register and pay the charge before 31st March 2012 or incur late payment fee of €10 per month. As with the NPPR charge no invoice will be sent and the charge and late payment penalty will accumulate against the property.
Septic Tank Charge: Owners of domestic wastewater treatment systems are now required to register their systems, which is in accordance with an amendment made to the Water Services Act. Fee of €50 applies, and must be paid on or before 1 February 2013.
Registration & more information, phone: Protect Our Water on Lo-Call 1890 800 800 or visit the website www.protectourwater.ie.
Paul & Carmel would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas & a Prosperous New Year. We thank you for your business in 2012 and look forward to being of service in 2013.