Business rates reductions for unoccupied properties

Unoccupied Rates Relief of 50% is awarded for the first three months that a property is empty, industrial properties can get a 6 month exemption. After that the rates charge is set at 90%.

Certain types of property such as listed buildings or buildings with rateable values less than £1,700 can apply for 100% relief while they are empty.

Industrial properties are awarded up to 6 months unoccupied exemption before the rates charge is set at 90%. This change in regulation applies from 1 April 2016.

Eligibility

You can apply if the property you pay rates for is currently unoccupied. Relief can only be awarded if the property has been unoccupied and full rates were being charged for at least 6 weeks.

Apply for a reduction

What happens next

We'll review your application and let you know if you are entitled to a discount, this can take 2 or 3 weeks. We may ask for more information to help us make a decision.

Page last updated: 14/03/2023
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