Owners of vacant properties beware!
Since the introduction of the Local Government Reform Act 2014, Local Authorities have been given autonomy to vary the level of rates relief granted to owners of vacant properties. As a result, the level of refunds on commercial rates available to Landlords of vacant properties varies significantly between Local Authorities. In Dublin City Council for example the owner of a vacant property is responsible for 75% of the annual rates bill (with 25% relief granted by DCC) where a property remains vacant and unlet.
| Local Authority | Vacancy Relief 2020 |
| Dublin City Council | 25% |
| Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council | 35% |
| Fingal County Council | 50% |
| South Dublin County Council | 50% |
These levels of vacancy relief will come under increased scrutiny later in the year as Council’s prepare Budgets for 2021 and beyond. Owners of unoccupied properties should carefully consider options on how to mitigate against increased vacancy voids.
