Home: Community: Money: Business rates (National Non-Domestic Rates)

Empty properties

Business rates - March 2012
business.rates@kirklees.gov.uk

What if my property is empty?
How long will I get an empty property rate for?
How do I claim an empty property rate?
What if my property is only partially empty?
Business rates - Contact details

What if my property is empty?

If your business property is empty, you may be entitled to a rate free period of 3 or 6 months.

How long will I get an empty property rate for?

From the date the property first becomes empty you will usually get:
  • Up to three months without charge if it is a retail property, for example a shop or an office.
  • Up to six months without charge if it is an industrial property, for example a factory or store.

If your property is still empty after this time, we will start charging you at the full rate. However, some properties can remain empty without attracting a charge. These include:
  • listed buildings,
  • properties owned or leased by a charity or community amateur sports club, and,
  • properties with a rateable value of less than £2,600.

How do I claim an empty property rate?

You need to tell us as soon as possible if your property becomes empty. Use our empty business property form to tell us straight away, or call us. In most circumstances we can accept confirmation of the change using these methods.

Once you have told us of the change, we will send you a new bill showing your reduction.

What if my property is only partially empty?

In a few circumstances you can claim a reduction if your property has become partially empty, and will remain so for a short period of time. These circumstances include:
  • relocation where occupation is being phased in or out,
  • damage to part of the property from fire or flood, or
  • extensive improvement works are being carried out.

You will need to apply for this reduction by completing an application form. You can:
Please make sure you provide any evidence we ask for on the application form as this will help us to make our decision. We may ask an inspector to visit your property to check the details you give us.

If you are unsure whether you will be able to claim a reduction, please contact us.

A to Z of the website