Expert lawyers say relationships between landlords and tenants are now more important than ever following the announcement that the Government is to further extend the restrictions on landlord action for non-payment of rent by business tenants.
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick announced that the restrictions will be extended until the end of March 2021, having already extended the period twice previously since the introduction of restrictions in March 2020.
Jenrick repeated the mantra that businesses which can pay rent should do so, while also announcing support for the businesses worst affected by the pandemic.
Nicola Seager, partner in the property litigation team at Clarke Willmott LLP, said: “The announcement makes co-operation and communication between landlords and tenants ever more important as we all look to emerge from the pandemic with viable businesses.
“No doubt we will see more discussions about payment plans and rent holidays as tensions rise among landlords who increasingly feel they are being unfairly treated.
“It remains to be seen whether this extension will stop the rush to CVAs as a means to force landlords to accept changes to lease terms and rents. The announcement made no mention of that increasingly popular practice.”
The announcement did confirm:
Clarke Willmott is a national law firm with offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.
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