Unoccupied property relief
Once a commercial property becomes vacant and unoccupied, it will automatically attract a maximum three month exemption period (whilst standing empty) before empty rates are charged. If the property is classed as industrial use, it will attract a maximum six month exemption period whilst standing vacant. (Industrial use is normally defined by the property description, for example; warehouse, workshop, factory.)
There are other exemptions available from empty property rates, depending on the individual circumstances.