business rates

[barnoldswick]

some years ago we rented a small industrial unit for textile manufacture. we were shown round by the owner, an elderly gentleman . He told us the rental cost and we asked him if there were any extra charges for anything and he said there wasn't. There was no lease just a 30 day notice for vacating the unit. . After 2 yrs in the unit we received a bill for �2500 rate arrears. The gentleman who owned the mill unit and with whome we agreed the rental used a company to deal with the general upkeep and day to day running of his business. We assumed that rates were included in the rental , and if they weren't we would have been informed of this well before a 2 yr period . When i rang the council rating office they said that unless i had it in writing that the rates were included then there was nothing i could do. Asking why it took 2 yrs to notify me they said they were not aware the unit was occupied untill then and that it was my responsibility to notify them when we first moved in. After speaking to the company who collects the rent they informed me that the old gentleman who showed me round probhably wasn't aware that rates were now paid separately. I know i should have got this in writing at the time but by the same token they never put it in writing to me that there was also a charge for business rates . Also was it not their responsibility to notify the council of our tenancy. I no longer have the business and the council are allowing me to pay the arrears in �10 month installments but this will take forever to pay off. AFTER ALL THIS RAMBLING WHAT I REALLY WANT TO KNOW IS AM I LEGALLY OBLIGED TO PAY THESE ARREARS . PHEW !!!!!!!!

[redcrx]

yes you are obliged to pay.

You cannot assume that the rates will be included in rent, and (unfortunately for you) did not specifically ask if the rent included rates. It sounds as if he weas correct in saying that there were no extra charges, to the landlord, as its not the landlords responsibilty to ensure you pay the rates.

At least you have managed to agree a small sum to pay each month, at least they didnt ask for the sum in one hit.