Apply for business rates reduction and relief

If you own or are entitled to possession of a property, you're responsible for paying business rates when it is empty and unoccupied.

Empty business properties get 100% empty rate relief for 3 months from the date they become empty and unoccupied, and industrial properties get 6 months.

The full charge must be paid unless the property is exempt from empty property rates.

The rate free period applies to the property and is not extended when an empty property changes ownership or a new lease or tenancy is granted.

Exemption from empty property rates

Some properties are exempt from business rates and don’t have to pay rates when they’re empty. This happens if: 

• the rateable value is less than £2,900
• it’s a listed building
• the owner is prohibited by law from occupying the property
• the owner is entitled to possession only in his capacity as the personal representative of a deceased person
• the property is the responsibility of a liquidator, administrator or trustee in bankruptcy
• the property is held by a charity and will be used for charitable purposes when next occupied
• the property is held by a local amateur sports club and will be used for this purpose when next occupied

Apply for rate relief or an exemption for an empty property

While we’re processing your claim

Call-out: You must continue to pay your business rates until we've processed your claim.

If we award you an exemption or relief, we’ll send you a new bill and payment instructions if you qualify for empty rate relief or an exemption.

One of our inspectors may visit your property to check the information you've provided.

We'll also make regular visits to check that the property remains empty and unoccupied.

You must tell us immediately if anything changes, for example, if you're no longer responsible for the property or if it becomes occupied.