Property Rates Search Application

Every Queensland council must keep a land record for each parcel of rateable land, showing the owner's name and postal address, the land's description, valuation and the rates and charges levied, including any overdue amounts and interest (Local Government Regulation 2012 s 154). Overdue rates and charges are a charge on the land (Local Government Act 2009 s 95), which is why a buyer checks the rates position before settlement. Richmond's three-page form offers a standard rate search and the three planning and development certificates, with an indicative processing time for each. Planning and development certificates are issued under section 265 of the Planning Act 2016: a limited certificate within 5 business days, a standard within 10 and a full within 30, with the content set by schedule 23 of the Planning Regulation 2017. The form says the timelines are indicative and some searches may be delayed by circumstances outside council's control.

When you need it

• You are buying or selling property in Richmond or elsewhere in the shire and need a rate search before settlement.
• You need a limited, standard or full planning and development certificate.

1. 1

   Applicant details

   In block letters, give the applicant's full name, business, contact name and position, street and postal addresses, reference, phone, email and ACN or ABN, and say whether you are registered for GST. Enter N/A where a question does not apply.

2. 2

   Delivery and search type

   Choose email or post for the results; emailed originals are not posted. Tick the standard rate search or the planning certificate you need.

3. 3

   Search particulars

   Give the application and settlement dates, vendors, purchasers, property address, town and lot and plan. The form notes that lot numbers are not used in property addresses.

4. 4

   Payment

   Enter the amount and choose cheque or credit card (Visa or Mastercard). Council prefers card payment, and the search will not start until payment clears.

5. 5

   Declaration

   Each applicant names themselves, certifies the information is correct, signs and dates. There is space for a second applicant.

• Send the form to Richmond Shire Council, PO Box 18, Richmond QLD 4822, by email to enquiries@richmond.qld.gov.au, or deliver it to 65 Goldring Street, Richmond.
• To pay by card over the phone, call council administration on (07) 4719 3377.
• Indicative times: 5 working days for a standard rate search or limited certificate, 10 for a standard certificate and 30 for a full certificate.
• Fees are printed on the form; check you have the current year's version before paying.

• For questions about fees or the form, the form says to contact council's rates officer.
• Give the full lot and plan; the street address alone does not carry a lot number.