Empty property relief

You do not have to pay business rates for empty premises for three months after they become empty. This is extended to six months for industrial properties. You can tell us about a change by using our online move forms.

The relief period applies to the premises only. After the three or six-month exemption period has passed, the full rate must be paid.

The fixed timescales for empty property relief do not apply for:

• listed buildings. You do not have to pay business rates for listed buildings until they become occupied again
• buildings with a rateable value under £2,900. You do not have to pay until they become occupied again
• properties owned by charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs - in some circumstances

Check your business rates valuation (opens new window)

If part of a property is not occupied for a short period of time it may be possible to apply for exemption for the empty section of the property. You can apply online to see if you can receive a reduction on your bill.

You need to have a MyGuildford account to apply for this exemption online. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up. 

If you have not yet registered to access your business rates account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online business rates account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

• the business rates reference number - found on the latest bill. Do not include the "X" when you enter the reference.
• the name of the business
• the premises postcode

Once you have linked your business rates account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side. You need to select the 'upload information or tell us about something else' link.

You will also need to supply the following information:

• the date the change took effect, and the anticipated end date
• upload photo(s) of a plan clearly indicating both empty and occupied sections of the premises

We may visit the premises to confirm that the relevant sections of the premises are unoccupied.

The Valuation Office Agency will be asked to certify the rateable value that applies to each section.

If the new rateable value changes the amount you need to pay, we will send you a new bill.

If there is a change to the occupation of your premises, you need to tell us.

You can tell us about any changes online if you have a MyGuildford account. If you do not have a MyGuildford account you can set one up. 

If you have not yet registered to access your business rates account online, there are more steps. You can then link your online business rates account to your MyGuildford.

To complete this step you will need the following information:

• the business rate reference number - found on the latest bill. Do not include the "X" when you enter the reference.
• the name of the business
• the premises postcode

Once you have linked your business rates account, you can go to the 'account summary' screen. You will see a list of 'quick links' on the right-hand side.

Use the 'upload information or tell us about something else' form to tell us about the change.

The partial exemption ends when there is a further change in occupation. Or at the end of the financial year, whichever is sooner.