# Letting an empty shop.

Canonical source: https://rivermarkproperty.com/guides/letting-an-empty-shop/

A useful letting starts with a clear description of the space, the terms you are considering and the uses you are willing to discuss.

[Discuss letting your property](https://rivermarkproperty.com/contact/#role=landlord&topic=let&briefTitle=empty%20shop)

## Describe the space accurately.

Identify the area offered, including any storage, upper floors, basement, yard or shared areas. An occupier will want to understand the sales area as well as the total size. Provide plans and measurements where available, and distinguish confirmed measurements from estimates.

Describe the shopfront, condition, services, access and when the space can be handed over. Make clear whether fixtures are included and what work or repairs are proposed.

## Consider the occupier and the practical restrictions.

Think about the type of business, opening hours, deliveries, waste and any alterations you would consider. Ask your planning and legal advisers to check the present use, proposed use, title and lease restrictions. Planning rules and local requirements vary across the UK.

If there are flats or other occupiers above, explain shared entrances, service routes and any practical constraints. A food operator may need to investigate extraction and servicing before committing.

## Prepare the terms and costs.

Set out the asking rent, lease length and availability if known. Identify other amounts that might apply, such as service charges, insurance or business rates, and who would be responsible for repairs and fit-out. A solicitor can advise on terms and a qualified valuer on rental value.

In England and Wales, check the energy certificate and whether the non-domestic minimum energy efficiency rules apply before letting. An assessor or solicitor can advise on the building and any applicable exemption.

## Make it easier for a tenant to decide.

Bring the available details into one summary and note what is still unknown. Agree who can be approached, how the property will be presented and whether there is already an agent instructed. Rivermark can help identify and approach prospective occupiers you agree.

-   Address and floor plans or approximate measurements.
-   Availability, condition and the works or fixtures included.
-   The uses, opening hours and alterations you would consider.
-   Asking rent, proposed terms and other known costs.

## Sources and further reading.

Sources checked 4 November 2026. Requirements vary across the UK and should be checked for the property and transaction.

-   [GOV.UK: non-domestic minimum energy efficiency standard](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/non-domestic-private-rented-property-minimum-energy-efficiency-standard-landlord-guidance) England and Wales: landlord guidance and exemptions.
-   [GOV.UK: energy certificates for non-dwellings](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-performance-certificates-for-the-construction-sale-and-let-of-non-dwellings--2/a-guide-to-energy-performance-certificates-for-the-construction-sale-and-let-of-non-dwellings) England and Wales: certificate guidance for sales and lettings.

- [Let commercial property](https://rivermarkproperty.com/services/let-commercial-property/)
- [Sell a vacant commercial property](https://rivermarkproperty.com/services/sell-vacant-commercial-property/)
- [For commercial landlords](https://rivermarkproperty.com/audiences/commercial-landlords/)

## Have a shop to let?

Tell us the location, space available and when you would like to let it.

- [Discuss letting your property](https://rivermarkproperty.com/contact/#role=landlord&topic=let&briefTitle=empty%20shop)
- [Request a call](https://rivermarkproperty.com/request-a-call/)