Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Business rates · Who pays
Business rates: landlord or tenant?
Occupierusually pays
Emptyowner pays after relief
Servicedoften included
Reliefscheck eligibility
In short: Business rates are normally paid by whoever occupies the property, so for a let unit that's usually the tenant. When a property is empty, the owner usually pays empty property rates after a short exemption (typically 3 months, or 6 months for many industrial units). In serviced offices, rates are often included in the licence fee. Reliefs such as small business rate relief may reduce the bill for eligible occupiers.
| Situation | Who usually pays |
|---|---|
| Unit let on a lease | Tenant (occupier) |
| Property empty | Owner, after the exemption period |
| Serviced office | Provider, included in the fee |
| Shared building | Depends on how it is split into rating assessments |
Who pays business rates
Empty rates cost to a landlord
Empty rates payable–
Check exemptions and the current multiplier with your council.
Landlords: reduce voids
- Rental valuation and marketing
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Does the landlord pay business rates?
Usually only when the property is empty, after the exemption period.
Are rates included in my rent?
Not usually, unless it is a serviced office or the lease says so.
Can I get relief?
Small businesses may qualify for small business rate relief.
