Mobility retailers protected from eviction as government extends ban to the end of the year
The government has extended the ban on commercial property evictions for a second time, providing protection to retailers until the end of the year as companies prepare for an uncertain winter.
The measure was first introduced in March during the height of the pandemic to support companies that had seen their cash flow dry up. Set to last until 30 June 2020, the ban was extended in June to 30 September.
The further extension will now see companies free from the threat of eviction until the end of the year, with the government stating it provides struggling commercial enterprises with an opportunity to rebuild their businesses over the autumn and Christmas period.
According to Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick, the extension will also help to protect jobs as the furlough scheme safety net disappears.
“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,” he announced.
“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.”
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.
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.”
Emphasising that companies that can pay their rent should do so, the government has informed landlords & tenants to work together to agree rent payment options if businesses are struggling and has pointed parties to its Code of Practice published in June.
