There are different rules when it comes to paying business rates for empty properties and certain properties are exempt.
According to rulings you may not have to pay business rates on:
agricultural land and buildings, including fish farms
buildings used for training or welfare of disabled people
buildings registered for public religious worship or church halls
However, there are strict legal requirements for these exemptions.
If your property is in England, you can report that you think it should be exempt using your business rates valuation account.
There’s a different way to report exemptions if your property is in Wales.
You do not have to pay business rates on empty buildings for 3 months. After this time, most businesses must pay full business rates.
Some properties can get extended empty property relief:
industrial premises (for example warehouses) are exempt for a further 3 months.
listed buildings – until they’re reoccupied.
buildings with a rateable value under £2,900 – until they’re reoccupied
properties owned by charities – only if the property’s next use will be mostly for charitable purposes.
community amateur sports clubs buildings – only if the next use will be mostly as a sports club.
You should Contact your local council to let them know when your property becomes vacant.
