Whether you're a landlord, real estate investor, asset manager, or a business with surplus space, recent legal developments offer important guidance worth considering.
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 	<li><strong>Plan proactively for void periods. </strong>Short-term occupation can be used strategically to minimise financial impact during vacancy periods. It's also important to budget for business rates exposure as part of your overall asset management strategy.</li>
 	<li><strong>Protect your cashflow</strong>. Business rates can amount to tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds annually on larger properties. Taking advantage of lawful mitigation strategies helps preserve profit margins and enhance asset performance.</li>
 	<li><strong>Review and document arrangements carefully</strong>. Work only with occupiers or mitigation scheme providers with a proven track record, and ensure that all occupation agreements are genuine, legally compliant, and properly documented. It's critical to avoid arrangements that may be seen as purely avoidance-driven, as these can lead to significant legal and financial risks.</li>
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