Now commercial tenants will be protected until Christmas

Now commercial tenants will be protected until Christmas

15:12 PM, 16th September 2020, About 4 years ago 3

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Businesses will be protected from the threat of eviction until the end of year, providing commercial tenants with greater security, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced.

The government will also extend the restriction on landlords using Commercial Rents Arrears Recovery to enforce unpaid rent on commercial leases, until the end of the year.

The government is clear that where businesses can pay their rent, they should do so, as this support is aimed at those businesses struggling the most during the pandemic.

This move will help those businesses most in need of additional support to remain in their premises without the threat of eviction for the rest of this year, giving them the chance to focus on rebuilding their business over the autumn and Christmas period.

Secretary of State for Housing Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “I am announcing today that we are extending support to protect those businesses that are unable to pay their rent from eviction to the end of the year. This will stop businesses going under and protect jobs over the coming months.

“This government is committed to supporting businesses and our high streets at this difficult time, and this extension of support will help businesses recover from the impacts of the pandemic and plan for the future.”

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said: “During this particularly challenging time for businesses, it is crucial that both landlords and tenants have the clarity and reassurance they need to build back better from the pandemic.

“Extending the temporary measures we put in place earlier this year to protect businesses from the threat of eviction will give them some much-needed breathing space at a critical moment in the UK’s economic recovery.”

The guidance is clear both landlords and tenants should continue to work together to agree on rent payment options if businesses are struggling. In June, the government published a Code of Practice to support these discussions.

The Code of Practice was produced alongside leading businesses and trade associations to help guide and encourage all parties to work together to protect viable businesses and ensure a swift recovery.


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Comments

Luke P

16:10 PM, 16th September 2020, About 4 years ago

Doesn’t bode well for a (now-typical) late-Friday announcement on a similar theme for the PRS...

Not expecting evictions to recommence on Monday (unless they claim to be doing so, but really just bog the whole system down until 2021, at the same time avoiding any backlash from extending the ban further).

Neilt

15:40 PM, 17th September 2020, About 4 years ago

I do understand the Governments dilemma but it's so difficult for us smaller Landlords to stomach when - in my case - the tenants, who are mainly small-time internet sales companies, are cashing in and not paying any rent or in fact answering my emails. This will equate to a lot of money come the end of December or beyond...! All my commercial Tenants have at least eighteen months to go, some with no break clause. Nobody wants to negotiate, they just want to ride it out rent-free then shut down and disappear. If anyone has a plan rather than sit and bear it, do let me know.

David Lester

18:51 PM, 17th September 2020, About 4 years ago

I am not a Commercial Landlord, however certain questions come to mind: - Didn't small businesses receive a "Business Interruption Grant? and do they not qualify for an interest free loan from the Government? So why do the LL's have to carry them? Finally how do the Rt Hon Robert Jenrick keep his job after th "Bung" affair?

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