Business rates

[pasticiotto]

We are reluctant landlords following a recent death in the family. It transpires my father always paid business rates for his two business tenants (mixed use property - 2 commercial units and an HMO in London) We recently asked for a contribution to the business rates and the tenants flatly refused. What are our rights in this area, as we can no longer afford to subsidise their business.

[ostell]

It's all in the contract. Have you got a copy of the contract with the businesses?

[pasticiotto]

It's all in the contract. Have you got a copy of the contract with the businesses?

The last (very basic - not drawn up by a solicitor) contract issued by my father did state that business rates and utilities were included, but the contract has now expired, and both tenants are asking us to re-issue contracts. They feel they have a case not to pay for business rates or utilities as my father had set a precedent.