The City of Cape Town is looking to help guest houses and B&Bs who are suffering financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic by offering their establishments the option of changing their property classification should they wish. Changing a property classification may result in cutting the rates bills in half, thereby alleviating financial strain businesses are currently facing.

In addition to the above, the city is also offering guest houses and B&Bs other relief options in terms of the Rates Policy:

• Continue to operate without change and be classified as a business property. If the account falls into arrears the account holder can apply for payment arrangements.

• Close the operation and apply for the reclassification of the property as a residential property in which case, the account holder will not be able to operate as a guesthouse or bed and breakfast but the rates will be reduced because of the reclassification and all service related tariffs and charges will be amended  accordingly.

• Reduce the footprint of the business operations, to the extent that the property is predominantly used for residential purposes, and apply for reclassification of the property so that rates can be reduced.

• There is also an option for guest houses and B&Bs, who would like to continue operating during this time, to offer their accommodation as an essential service by using their establishments as a quarantine facility. With this option, establishments will be remunerated by the individuals who are staying at the establishment. However, there will be some cases where the government or private sector will pay for the services instead.

If you would like to know more about these relief options, please click here.

Sign up and add your establishment to the booking portal

Should you wish to add your establishment to a booking portal where individuals, who are looking to isolate, quarantine or keep safe, can book accommodation; please head over to the Hospitality Solutions website by clicking here. You will be able to register your establishment as either an isolation, quarantine or home-away-from-home service (for essential services workers).

Should you have any queries or concerns, please contact us at membership@capetown.travel.