Commercial eviction ban extended until June

An eviction ban to protect commercial tenants struggling with rents due to the coronavirus pandemic has been extended by government.

The Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced an extension to the ban on commercial evictions on 10th March. The continuation of rules until 30th June is part of the government’s package of support for businesses unable to fully trade during Covid-19 restrictions.

The government’s current position is to support commercial landlords and tenants to agree their own arrangements for paying or writing off rent debts by 30th June; this is supported by the code of conduct published by the government last year, setting out best practice for these negotiations. 

The government is now launching a call for evidence on commercial rents to monitor negotiations between landlords and tenants to inform future steps for a phased withdrawal of the eviction ban after 30th June.

A ban on evictions for residential tenants was also extended until the end of May, with landlords required to give renters a six-month notice period; bailiff-enforced evictions will only be permitted in serious circumstances (e.g. cases of fraud or domestic abuse).

Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick MP said:

It is right that as we move through the roadmap, we ensure that businesses and renters continue to be supported.

“We have taken unprecedented action to support both commercial and residential tenants throughout the pandemic – with a £280 billion economic package to keep businesses running and people in jobs and able to meet their outgoings, such as rent.

“These measures build on the government’s action to provide financial support as restrictions are lifted over the coming months – extending the furlough scheme, business rates holiday and the Universal Credit uplift.”