The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) reminded building owners who were unable to secure tenants that they can avail of the “vacancy allowance” under Section 162 of the Local Government Act 1976, reported Free Malaysia Today (FMT).
It noted that the vacancy allowance is provided in the form of refunds on assessment taxes for unoccupied and vacant buildings.
“There are many premises, both residential and commercial properties, that have not been rented out for a long time,” it said as quoted by FMT.
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“In accordance with existing acts, DBKL would like to inform (the public) that there is an incentive that can be used, called the ‘vacancy allowance’.”
To avail of the refund, the owner should prove that the premises have been available for rent during the entire duration for which the refund is claimed. The building should also be in good condition and fit for occupancy, and that the owner had exerted reasonable effort to obtain a tenant.
DBKL revealed that it has collected assessment tax on 646,061 properties in Kuala Lumpur in 2020, of which 82% or 529,770 were residential premises and 18% or 116,291 were commercial.
Interested parties can file their applications at DBKL’s headquarters or download the form on its website.
A site visit will be conducted by DBKL’s finance department before a decision on the grant of allowance is made.
