Partly occupied business rates relief

If your property is only partly occupied for a short period, you may be able to get business rates relief. This is sometimes called Section 44a relief.

Who can apply

You can apply if:

• Part of your property is temporarily not in use
• The unused area is clearly separated
• The arrangement is short-term (for example, during a move or refurbishment)

What happens if you're eligible

We may ask the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) to issue a certificate showing the rateable value of the occupied and unoccupied parts.

You will pay:

• Full business rates on the occupied part
• No business rates on the unoccupied part for a limited time

Apply for partly occupied relief

Use our general business rates enquiry form to apply.

In your message, tell us you're applying for partly occupied relief. Include:

• Your business rates account number
• The address of the property
• A plan or description showing which areas are unoccupied
• How long the property will be partly empty

Apply for partly occupied relief.