How important is a VOA request for information?

The Valuation Office Agency is in the process of creating the next rating list which is due to come into effect from 1 April 2026, based on 1 April 2024 rental values.

The VOA obviously needs rental information and has access to the land registry and other proprietary websites, but also has statutory powers to gather information using a Request For Rent, Lease Or Ownership Details. Occupiers receive a letter, directing them to submit their information online via a series of questions. The statutory powers aren’t new and the online system has been in place for a couple of years, but the volume of requests is at a peak due to the 2026 revaluation. We’re seeing more than ever before.

I often get asked by clients ‘do we need to complete it?’ – the answer is yes, it’s a statutory request for information and fines are payable for non-compliance or providing false information. The task is typically seen as an admin issue and whilst some of the questions can be straightforward others require interpretation and knowledge of the underlying transaction. It’s easy to get it wrong.

Does it really matter if the information provided isn’t absolutely correct? Yes it does! We constantly come up against situations where the VOA relies on the information provided, which they treat as absolute gospel, to underpin adopted rateable values. We can demonstrate that the facts or basis of the analysis is wrong but then have an uphill battle to overcome the “it’s on a rent return so therefore correct”. This will become increasingly important in light of a case that the VOA is pursuing on the cost of office fit-out. But more on that to come in due course…

My point here is that care is required when completing these requests for information. It’s not a cursory job to be despatched as quickly as possible, but requires interpretation and consideration to get it right, sometimes something that needs the eye of a surveyor to interpret and clarify. We will always complete requests for clients on their behalf, to ensure that we comply with their statutory obligation, but also to make sure that the information is absolutely correct from the outset.

The collection of information will radically change when Duty to Notify comes in, at which point the info will need to be submitted rapidly following any transaction or rental changes. But this doesn’t deal with the fundamental issue of the interpretation of questions and their answers and what happens when this needs to be subsequently amended.

The interpretation of the answers by the VOA can and does have a dramatic impact on value adopted so great care is required.