Apply for business rates reduction and relief

There are several different circumstances in which business rate reductions or relief apply.

Unoccupied property rating

You will not have to pay business rates for the first three months after a property becomes empty, as long as it has been previously occupied for a minimum of six weeks and one day.

After three months, you have to pay an empty property rate (100% of the occupied charge).

Certain industrial properties are empty-exempt for up to six months, when full rates then become payable.

Listed buildings and small properties with rateable values of less than £2,900 pay no empty property rates even after the first three months have expired.