In this Real Insights video, produced for Property Shapers, Associate Chanéz Lowe discusses new legislation which empowers local authorities to compel landlords to rent out their vacant commercial properties, including shops, offices, and entertainment venues.
The new measures, effective from 2nd December, involve a process where local councils can serve notices on landlords, leading to a rental auction if the property remains unoccupied. The video raises concerns that the rules do not address the fundamental issues causing high street vacancies and questions the adequacy of government funding for the scheme.
For more information on these regulations and their impact, read Of Counsel and Knowledge Lawyer's Lucy Smith's article "Ready, set, bid: high street rental auctions coming into force".