Government extends moratorium on business evictions

Businesses will be protected from the threat of eviction until the end of 2020, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced, extending the moratorium first introduced in March.

The support for struggling businesses had been due to end at the end of September, having been previously extended in June for a further three months. The move aims to support businesses most affected by the pandemic to remain in their premises without the threat of eviction, in particular allowing retailers to focus on rebuilding business during the busy run-up to Christmas.

Commercial landlords and tenants should continue to work together to agree payment options in line with a new Code of Practice for the sector put in place in June 2020. The government is clear that where businesses can pay their rent, they should 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.