Unoccupied property rating
In general, there will be no business rates to pay for the first three months that a property is empty. This also applies to certain industrial properties where this is extended for six months.
After this period the rates are payable in full unless the unoccupied property rate has been reduced by the government. In most cases, the unoccupied rate is zero for properties owned by charities and Community Amateur Sports clubs.
If the unoccupied property rate for the financial year has been reduced by government you will see the changes on the front of your bill.
For more information about empty property rate exemptions contact us on 020 8583 5708.
Changes to empty property rates from 1 April 2011
All empty properties below a specified rateable value threshold are exempt from payment of empty rates. The threshold was temporarily increased by the government with effect from 01.04.09; however, the 2010/11 threshold of £18,000, has been reduced to £2,600 from 01.04.11. Therefore, all empty properties that have a rateable value of under £2,600 will be exempt from payment of empty rates.
Non-domestic buildings for use by those with disabilities
Non-domestic buildings or parts of non-domestic buildings, which cater for the needs of people with learning disabilities, are not subject to the national non-domestic rates. If you received a bill and consider that your building should fall within this category, you can appeal to the District Valuer and the Valuation Office (Inland Revenues), please contact 020 8276 2800 for further details.
Contact
Business Rates section
London Borough of Hounslow
PO Box 185
Hounslow
TW3 4WD
Telephone: 020 8583 5708
Facsimile: 020 8583 4823
E-mail: BusinessRates@hounslow.gov.uk