Landlord and Tenant Advice
We offer advice and assistance to landlords and tenants so that everybody understands the rules and regulations involved.
Supporting and Understanding
We are sympathetic to the housing difficulties that can arise and are here to help and support you.
The Highest Standards
We're here to help those whose landlords have allowed properties to fall into disrepair.
We have the key to success
Our Housing Solicitors have a wealth of knowledge and extensive experience in all manners of housing law matters.
Housing Solicitors
Empty Properties – Rating Change Approaches (29 March 2007)
Date: 29/03/2007
It has for some years been a bit of an oddity that with the economy buoyant, quite generous reliefs from business rates have been available where commercial premises are unoccupied.
Ironically, a change in the law reduces these reliefs just as the economy looks to be coming off the boil.
Vacant non-domestic properties are generally exempt from rates for three months. After that, rates are payable at 50 per cent until the property is again in occupation. Industrial properties and storage facilities enjoy 100 per cent rate relief until re-occupied. From 1 April 2008, subject to designated exemptions, the reliefs will disappear – after three months for non-domestic properties generally and after six months for industrial and storage premises.
For landlords with property portfolios including commercial properties currently unlet, there is now a strong incentive to find tenants before the changes have an impact.
For advice on any commercial property matter, please contact https://www.duncanlewis.co.uk.
Partner Note
The Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007 can be found at http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2007/20070009.htm.
The legislation is not yet in final form. There are exemptions for certain not-for-profit organisations, provided (it seems) that the property is to be occupied by a not-for-profit tenant.Visit the website of commercial property solicitor for legal advise.