Guidance

High street rental auctions: Non-statutory guidance

This guidance outlines the full application of HSRA powers and is for use by local authorities and other interested parties.

Applies to England

Documents

Annex 1: Initial letting notice (Form 1)

Annex 1A: Guidance on completing Form 1

Annex 2: Final letting notice (Form 2)

Annex 2A: Guidance on completing Form 2

Annex 3: Counter-notice (Form 3)

Annex 5: Tenancy of retail premises (whole)

Annex 6: Tenancy of retail premises (part)

Annex 7: Tenancy of unit within shopping centre

Annex 8: Tenancy of pub premises

Annex 9: Auction form

Annex 10: Example marketing brochure

Details

This guidance provides a comprehensive overview of how to apply High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs), a new power introduced under the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. It aims to explain High Street Rental Auctions in detail from start to finish and should be used to guide all interested parties through the process. The guidance also includes downloadable annexes that local authorities and other parties are advised to edit and use throughout the process.

The guidance and annexes are intended to be used by local authorities concerned about vacant commercial premises in their area, commercial landlords and their lenders, businesses and community groups seeking a commercial space and commercial agents who may be responsible for running a High Street Rental Auction on behalf of a local authority.  

The goal of High Street Rental Auctions is to reduce high street vacancies, boost local economies, and empower communities to revitalise their areas. The guidance is a key component to help affected parties mitigate the negative impacts of prolonged vacancies on high streets.

Find out more in the government’s response to the High Street Rental Auctions consultation.

Updates to this page

Published 2 December 2024

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