VAT for painting and decorating

Hi. Do I need to charge 20% Vat for painting and small repairs in student accommodations? I think there are different rules for such apartments, but I don't know if they only apply to new ones. I’m really confused because I'm reading conflicting information. Another example is a church converted into apartments. what is the VAT rate in this case (our company only painted). Thank you

Hi,

If you are doing work on existing student accommodation then this would be 20% VAT as there would be no relief for this kind of work. However, if you are doing work in the course of a qualifying conversion from a non residential building to a residential building then the work can be done at the reduced 5% rate of VAT. You can see guidance here: 

Reduced rating the conversion of premises to a different residential use

Thank you.