Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about VacatAd's business rates relief services
Business Rates Basics
Business rates are a tax on commercial properties in England and Wales, paid by the occupier of the property. They're calculated based on the rateable value of the property as determined by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), multiplied by the business rates multiplier set by the government each year.
The VOA determines rateable values based on what the property could reasonably be expected to let for on the open market on a specific valuation date. They consider factors such as location, size, use, and market conditions. Valuations are typically updated every five years during revaluation cycles.
Read more: 2026 Revaluation Unveiled — What the Draft Values Reveal About Your Rates Bill →
Business Rates Relief includes various schemes to reduce rates bills, such as Small Business Rate Relief, Empty Property Relief, and Charitable Relief. Empty Property Relief provides 100% relief for the first three months, then 100% relief for properties with rateable values under £2,900, or no relief for higher-value properties unless they qualify for other reliefs.
The April 2026 revaluation is the biggest shake-up to business rates in a decade. Rateable values have been updated to reflect the rental market as at 1 April 2021, with national values rising by an average of 19.2%. A new five-tier multiplier system replaces the old two-tier approach, and transitional relief caps have been introduced to limit first-year bill increases to 5% for small properties, 15% for medium, and 30% for large. If your property's rateable value has risen sharply, the vacant period following revaluation can be particularly costly.
Read more: The April Reset — Your Complete Guide to the Biggest Rates Overhaul in a Decade →
VacatAd Services
Business rates mitigation involves creating compliant beneficial occupation of empty properties through technology installations like Wi-Fi networks and monitoring systems. This resets the Empty Property Relief period, providing significant savings while maintaining property security and preparing it for future occupation.
Read more: Beneficial Occupation Explained — What Landlords Need to Know →
We assess your property's rateable value, current rates liability, and vacancy period to calculate potential savings. Our technology-first approach typically achieves 50%+ savings on business rates through compliant beneficial occupation, with detailed projections provided during your free consultation.
Read more: The Real Cost of Vacant Commercial Property in 2025 →
Our technology-first approach is non-disruptive, compliant, and adds value to your property. Unlike traditional schemes, we install professional Wi-Fi networks, security cameras, and monitoring systems that benefit future tenants while ensuring full legal compliance with VOA requirements.
Read more: Why Technology Redefined Business Rates Mitigation →
We have a 100% success rate across 250+ UK properties. While results depend on individual circumstances, our compliant approach works for most commercial properties including offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial units. We provide a free assessment to determine your property's suitability.
Process & Implementation
Our process begins with a free consultation to understand your property's specifics and potential for rates mitigation. Following this, we enter into a licence to occupy, allowing us to implement our advertising technology for a minimum of 13 weeks. Our streamlined process is designed to be hassle-free for property owners, providing a clear path to saving.
Read more: From Burden to Relief — Transforming Business Rates Management for Vacant Properties →
The 13-week rule refers to the minimum period of genuine occupation required to reset the Empty Property Relief clock. Once a property has been vacant for more than three months, full rates liability resumes. By occupying the property for at least 13 weeks — through legitimate business use such as VacatAd's technology installations — the relief period resets, allowing a fresh three-month exemption when the property becomes vacant again. Getting the occupation period right is critical: too short and the reset may be challenged; the full 13 weeks ensures compliance.
Read more: Understanding the 13-Week Occupation Rule — How to Stay Compliant →
We maintain strict compliance through genuine beneficial occupation using professional-grade technology installations. Our systems include 4G/5G routers, Wi-Fi networks, and monitoring equipment that create legitimate business use. All installations meet VOA requirements and local authority regulations.
Read more: Snail Farms in the Office — A Cautionary Tale for Commercial Landlords →
We use non-intrusive digital advertising and technology services that benefit the local community. Our Wi-Fi networks provide public access while our monitoring systems enhance property security. All advertising is compliant and adds value to the property and surrounding area.
Read more: From Empty Units to Community Hubs — The Social Value of VacatAd →
Our strategy is built on established legal principles of beneficial occupation. We ensure genuine business use through technology installations and maintain comprehensive documentation for local authorities. Our approach has been tested across hundreds of properties with 100% compliance success.
Read more: In-depth Analysis — Legally Reducing Business Rates on Vacant Property →
Legal & Compliance
We use licence to occupy agreements that create legal beneficial occupation of the property. This legitimate business use resets Empty Property Relief periods and qualifies for various rate relief schemes while maintaining the property owner's rights and future plans.
Read more: Legal Grey Areas and Innovative Solutions in Business Rates Mitigation →
Our technology installations create genuine beneficial occupation as defined by VOA guidelines. We maintain detailed records of business activities, ensure continuous occupation monitoring, and provide comprehensive evidence to support rate relief claims. Our approach fully aligns with VOA requirements for beneficial occupation.
Read more: How VacatAd Aligns with Government Consultation Findings →
We maintain close relationships with legal experts, monitor VOA updates, and stay current with legislation changes affecting business rates. Our team regularly reviews compliance requirements and adapts our approach to ensure continued effectiveness and legal compliance.
Read more: High Court's 2025 Ruling Reshapes the Business Rates Mitigation Landscape →
The Vacant Properties Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, proposes giving local authorities in England greater powers to compel landlords to bring long-term empty commercial units back into use. While the Bill is still at consultation stage and its final form is uncertain, the direction of travel is clear: governments at both local and national level are increasingly focused on reducing vacancy rates on high streets and in town centres. Proactive occupation through a service like VacatAd not only addresses rates liability but also positions property owners favourably against incoming legislation.
Read more: The Vacant Properties Bill — Could Councils Force Open Your Empty Units? →
From April 2027, commercial properties in England and Wales must have a minimum EPC rating of B to be legally let. For landlords already dealing with rising rateable values and full rates liability on vacant units, the cost of EPC upgrades creates what our analysts call a "double squeeze." Properties that cannot be immediately let due to sub-standard energy ratings are simultaneously liable for full business rates — making strategic occupation and rates mitigation all the more important during the improvement period.
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