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Empty or part occupied property rate relief

Part occupied premises

We consider temporary reductions in rates when you are only occupying part of a property, known as section 44a relief.

To qualify for relief you need to demonstrate:

  • part of your property is empty – a formal split of the assessment by the Valuation Office is not suitable
  • the part of your property not in use is unoccupied for a temporary period only

Applications must be supported by a plan showing occupied and unoccupied areas.

Section 44a relief can be awarded for:

  • up to three months for a commercial property
  • up to six months for an industrial property

When your assessment has a rateable value less than £2,900, or is a listed building, relief may be considered for a longer period.

Please note that any application for 44a relief must be made at the time the property is part occupied.