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New law: Commercial landlords in England face new rules forcing them to let out empty properties

Author: Atom Content Marketing

Published: 01 Jun 2022

High street and other commercial landlords are considering the potential impact on their businesses of government plans to allow local authorities to force commercial landlords to rent out their empty properties, announced in the recent Queen’s Speech.

The aim of the new laws is to revitalise high streets and rejuvenate town centres, but they could create significant issues for commercial landlords. One proposal, for example, is that prospective tenants should be given a right to bid for shops that have been vacant for more than a year, through ‘Compulsory Rental Auctions’.

Local authorities’ powers to compulsorily purchase commercial premises will also be extended to allow purchases for the public benefit (such as for social housing, or regeneration) against a landlord’s wishes.

Operative date

  • To be announced

Recommendation

  • Commercial landlords should monitor the rules closely as they take shape, and plan and budget accordingly.
Disclaimer

This article from Atom Content Marketing is for general guidance only, for businesses in the United Kingdom governed by the laws of England. Atom Content Marketing, expert contributors and ICAEW (as distributor) disclaim all liability for any errors or omissions.

Copyright © Atom Content Marketing

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