Business evictions ban to remain in place until 2021

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announces that the moratorium on business evictions first introduced in March will remain in place for a further three months.

Businesses will protected from the threat of eviction until the end 2020, the government has confirmed. The scheme, already extended for a further three months in June, had been due to come to an end on September 30th.

The move aims to support businesses, particularly in hospitality and retail, which have been most affected by the pandemic and March lockdown by providing further time for them to focus on rebuilding, particularly during the busy run-up to Christmas.

A new Code of Practice was also put in place earlier this year to allow commercial landlords and tenants to work together to agree payment options for businesses struggling to meet rent payments as a result of the coronavirus’ economic effects. The government is clear that where businesses can pay their rent, they should continue to do so.

Secretary of State for Housing and Communities, 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 MP 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 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.