Does anyone know anything about this?

mumoffour77

Following on from a thread here

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3175948

In particular this comment

If you were interested, Landlords are now open to Tenants going into their vacant shops on short term licences. They won't charge you any rent but you may have to pay rates etc. The reason they do this is that if a tenant stays in the property for a certain amount of time, the Landlord is then entitled to 3 months rates relief. Def worth looking into.

Do you wonderful people know anything about it?

Pretani

better ask your DaD

mumoffour77

Pretani wrote: »

better ask your DaD

LMAO........Nope he's not the man i need to ask!!
His answer would be...... catch a grip of yourself love....there is nothing for free in this world!!

I dont want to make an eejit out of myself by ringing Estate agents, I do get awfully embarassed on the phone!

Stressed_mum_2

I'm not sure what the situation is for commercial tenants, but I know that this can happen for companies that are registered charities. Not necessary official "Charities", but not-for-profit organisations that have charitable status. My understanding is that while landlords have vacant properties they still have to pay 50% rates on the property. Charitable organisations are rate exempt, so the landlord can charge a peppercorn rent and save on the rates while they try to find a long term tenant that will pay rent and the rates.

mumoffour77

Okay, so its mainly for charitable organisations

Rules me out!!

crazyhorse88

Hi

It doesnt have to be charities. There are quite a few landlords who have to be more flexible these days and the chance to save money on rates is one option they are exploring. A good example of this is at Christmas when you see these pop up xmas shops that are open for 6 - 8 weeks.

Now landlords are open to this idea for the whole 12 months of the year but obviously location, shop type, length of time you need shop for all need to be taken into consideration.

To sum it up in its simpliest terms, if a Landlord can get a tenant to go into his vacant shop and undertake the rates payable for a period of 6 weeks, once the tenant vacates the Landlord is then entitled to 3 months rates exemption.

If you need more details just ask and I'll answer any queries you have.