SAMPLE LETTER

Unpaid council rates

You can use this sample letter when you become aware that your landlord has not been paying their council rates and the council has requested that you pay your rent to them until the rates are paid off.

Copy and paste the template letter below or download a copy from the link above. Remember to substitute your details for the details contained in [square brackets].

[Your name and address]

[Date]

[Landlord’s or agent’s name and address]

Dear …

Re: Unpaid council rates at [your address]

Recently I received a notice from [name of council] stating that $[amount] was owing on outstanding council rates. Under section 569(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, the council has demanded that I make future rent payments to them until the rates have been paid in full.

Consequently, as permitted under section 569(4) of the same Act, I will make future rent payments to [name of council] until the outstanding rates are paid, after which time, I will resume paying rent directly to you. Receipts from [name of council] will count as rent receipts.

Yours sincerely

[T Tenant]