High street rental auctions (HSRA) are a new power for local authorities to require landlords to rent out persistently vacant commercial properties to new tenants such as local businesses or community groups. They were introduced in December 2024 as part of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.
Areas with high levels of empty shops can see higher unemployment rates, upturns in anti-social behaviour and a lack of pride from residents in their local high streets. This new initiative will allow us to work with landlords to bring buildings back to life, reducing the number of vacant premises. Our aim is to increase footfall and improve the high street economy.
High Street Rental Auction FAQs
What is the purpose of the high street rental auctions?
The government has introduced high street rental auctions to help local authorities increase the occupation of high street properties and improve local economies. Bassetlaw District Council is one of the early adopters of the programme.
Which premises are affected?
The new regime will apply to commercial premises in England (other than premises last used as a warehouse, which are specifically exempt) which satisfy the following criteria:
- Designation: within an area the local authority has designated as being a high street or town centre;
- Vacant: unoccupied for the whole of the last year or for at least 366 days in the last two years;
- Suitability: suitable for ‘high street use’; and
- Change beneficial: considered by the local authority to benefit the local economy, society or environment if occupied for ‘high street use’.
- The government has stated that the target areas are those in economic decline with high vacancy rates and landlords not actively taking steps to rent the property. On that basis, we don’t expect the high street rental auction process to be used for all vacant properties which meet the conditions above, particularly where landlords are proactive in seeking new occupants.
A premises is eligible for a High Street Rental Auction where it has been unoccupied continuously for 12 months, or for at least 366 days (non-continuously) within a 24-month period.
The Council invited representations from the public for the proposed designated areas between 24th February and 24th March 2025:
- Harworth Town Centre boundary map
1-123 Scrooby Rd
3-11 Grosvenor Rd - Retford Town Centre boundary map
1-2 West St
1-11 Spa Road
1-87 Carolgate
1-32 Bridgegate
1-8 Bridgegate Centre
1-33 Market Place
12-29 The Square
1-4 Jubilee Courtyard
1-34 Chapelgate
55 Union St
1-49 Churchgate
4-55 Grove St
1-17 Exchange St
Riverside Walk
1-6 Coronation St
Town Hall Yard
Chancery Lane
Wharf Rd
Beardsall Row
New St
Glasby Sq
Sloswickes Cottage - Worksop Town Centre boundary map
The Priory Centre
1 - 134 Bridge St
1 – 12 Newcastle Avenue
3-28 Central Ave
1-52 Ryton St
2-6 Hardy St
1-70 Bridge Place
1-15 Victoria Sq
3-17 Watson Rd
3-5 Eastgate
1-14 Gateford Rd
1-10 Carlton Rd
1-19 Potter St
2 Park St
10 Church Walk
Middletons Yard
Queen St
How will the rental auction work?
The auction period lasts for twelve weeks and service of a final letting notice starts the process. There is a procedure for the landlord to appeal the service of a final notice on specified grounds. The requirements of the first ten weeks are detailed in the regulations.
Of note, before the end of the third week, the landlord may be required to give the following information:
- full and accurate responses to general pre-contract enquiries for commercial property transactions, including any supplemental pre-contract enquiries relevant to commercial property on the grant of a tenancy;
- proof of the landlord’s title to the premises; and
- if available, current copies of the electrical installation testing certificate, the energy performance certificate, the water safety certificate, the gas safety certificate, the fire safety certificate, the test certificate for any relevant mechanical, electrical or life safety systems, the fire risk assessment and asbestos survey (with asbestos management plan, where relevant).
During this period, the landlord may also make representations regarding the proposed agreement for lease and tenancy terms.
The marketing period is between the 5th and 10th weeks and this is when bids will be received.
The same restrictions on landlords granting their own leases, licences, etc. apply during the final notice period. In addition, the landlord mustn’t carry out any works to the premises during this period without the local authority’s consent.
What consequences are there for landlord non-compliance?
If a landlord fails to comply with the obligation to provide information (either not supplying it or giving false information) or carries out works to the premises in contravention of the prohibition on such, it’s a criminal offence and the landlord will be liable to a fine.
If the landlord doesn’t choose a winning bid or won’t enter into the agreement for lease or lease, the local authority has the power to do so on behalf of the landlord.
What are the next steps?
We are one of the early adopters of the programme.
We are now in the process of contacting landlords and agents of properties which reach the threshold for having been empty for at least 365 days consecutively or 365 days in the last 2 years to enter a dialogue about how they can bring the properties back into use before exploring options linked to a High Street Rental Auction.
Last Updated on Monday, June 23, 2025