Online accommodation providers in Rodney are not being charged the recently introduced Accommodation Provider Targeted Rate (APTR), despite confusion about changes to rates bills.
The APTR is not charged to properties in Rodney, but online accommodation providers who let their property out for more than 28 days a year are required to pay business rates on a graduated scale.
It follows the introduction of the rate to online providers as part of the council’s recently adopted 10-year Budget, a topic which received around 16,000 pieces of feedback during consultation.
Zones
“The APTR is charged at different levels across Auckland depending on where you are. It is split into three zones, A,B and C. Only properties in zones A and B pay the rate, says Andrew Duncan, Manager, Financial Policy at Auckland Council.
“Rodney, along with Franklin, Great Barrier, Papakura and Waitakere Ranges Local Boards are in zone C, and are not charged the rate.
“All properties across Auckland that are let out via an online service for more than 28 days do have to pay business rates for the portion of the property that is let out on a graduated scale depending on the number of days. We suspect this is something that could be causing confusion.”
Contact the council if in doubt
Phelan Pirrie, Rodney Local Board deputy chair, says he has had several residents who provide online accommodation contact him with questions about changes to their rates.
“We understand there is some confusion around the introduction of the APTR from Rodney residents who think they are being charged this Targeted Rate if they let their property out online,” he says.
“I want to reassure you that is not the case and encourage anyone who wants clarification about this or any other rates related issue to get in touch with us.”
For further information about the rate, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/aptr, email accommodationproviderrate@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or call 09 979-5500.
