Relief on Business Rates for Partially Used Premises – Section 44A Explained

If you're a landlord or occupier of commercial property in the UK, you may still be paying full business rates on a premises that is only partially in use—for example, during a phased refurbishment, part-vacancy, or reduced operations. However, under certain conditions, you may qualify for relief on business rates for partially used premises through a local authority provision known as Section 44A relief.

At Fraser Bond, we help landlords, investors, and commercial tenants secure partial rating relief, reduce holding costs, and maintain regulatory compliance across portfolios and individual assets.

What Is Section 44A Business Rates Relief?

Section 44A of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 allows local authorities to grant discretionary business rates relief when a part of a property is temporarily unoccupied but the remainder is still in use.

This relief is typically applied to:

• Retail units undergoing phased refurbishment

• Warehouses with unused floors or sections

• Offices where only part of the space is operational

• Multi-tenant properties with unlet floors or wings

The relief effectively reduces the rateable value of the premises based on the proportion of space currently in use, often for a limited period, typically up to 3 or 6 months, depending on the circumstances.

When You Can Apply for Partial Use Relief

To qualify, the partial unoccupancy must be:

• Temporary and clearly defined

• Separately measurable and inaccessible to staff or the public

• Due to specific operational or physical limitations, such as:

  • Renovation or reinstatement works

  • Health and safety closures

  • Vacancy during re-letting or transition

  • Fire or flood damage

Each local authority has discretion to approve or deny applications, and may request evidence including:

• Floorplans indicating the vacant areas

• Photographs of the unused sections

• Contractor documentation (if undergoing works)

• Proof that the unused space is not accessible or used in operations

How to Apply for Section 44A Relief

1. Contact your billing authority – Request a Section 44A application form or online submission process.

2. Provide supporting evidence – Include site plans, photographic proof, and lease/occupancy schedules.

3. Arrange a site inspection – The council may inspect the premises to verify your claim.

4. Receive an adjusted bill – If approved, your business rates liability will be reduced to reflect the occupied portion only.

Note: The relief is time-limited and may require reapplication if the unoccupied portion remains unused beyond the original relief period.

How Fraser Bond Supports Commercial Ratepayers

At Fraser Bond, we assist landlords, tenants, and property managers with securing partial business rates relief by:

• Evaluating whether your property qualifies for Section 44A

• Preparing and submitting professional applications to your local authority

• Coordinating with surveyors, loss adjusters, and compliance teams

• Advising on strategic use of space to maximise available relief

• Supporting appeals or negotiations in case of refusal

Our team works across all major London boroughs and throughout the UK, helping clients reduce unnecessary expenditure while maintaining property compliance.

Reduce Your Liability – Apply for Partial Use Relief Today

If your commercial property is only partly occupied and you’re still paying full business rates, Fraser Bond can help you unlock temporary rating relief and reclaim overpaid costs.

Visit FraserBond.com to book a consultation or request support with a Section 44A application.