Government extends period of protection for commercial tenants from eviction

The government has extended protection for commercial tenants from eviction until the end of the year, the Communities Secretary has announced.

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

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government stressed that where businesses could pay their rent, they should do so, “as this support is aimed to those businesses struggling the most during the pandemic”.

It added that extension of the moratorium would give businesses the chance to focus on rebuilding over the autumn and Christmas period.

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

The Communities Secretary 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.”

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