When a commercial property becomes vacant, the liability for the business rates reverts back to the owner of the premises after an initial period of 3 months relief is applied; this is extended to 6 months if the property is industrial.
The legislation and regulations around empty property can be a minefield and can prove to be a complicated issue for landlords, Developers and Property Companies that wish to minimise their liability.
At Roger Hannah, we have considerable experience in assisting clients with mitigating their empty-rate Rates Liabilities.
There are several things to consider and a range of strategies that can be developed to help a client mitigate their liability:
- Temporary Occupation
We can develop a strategy allowing you to benefit from empty rates exemption periods, with the potential to reduce your empty rates liability by up to 100%.
- Prohibition by Law
This is a complex area of Rating Law and is also known as “Beyond Economic Repair”. A property which is vacant and in disrepair will still have a Rateable value, and therefore empty rates will be payable on the premises.
If disrepair exists, then an appeal can be lodged to delete the assessment from the Rating list, which would also remove any empty rates liability.
We have a track record of successfully achieving reductions of 100% on such grounds.
- Refurbishment, Redevelopment / Conversion
Properties undergoing significant refurbishments, redevelopments or conversion works should not be rateable for the duration of the works.
We have vast experience and 100% success rate in dealing with this complex issue.
If you own an empty commercial property and would like some further information regarding the options available to mitigate your liability, please contact our specialist Business Rates team for a free initial consultation de******@ro**********.uk , or call 0161 641 8659 or 07718 587 354, or ma*******@ro**********.uk or call 01614291663 or 07764158233, or visit our website https://roger-hannah.co.uk/specialisms/business-rates/