Updated 17 June 2021 – On 16 June 2021 the Government confirmed that the evictions ban on commercial tenants for non-payment of rent will be extended again until the 25 March 2022 and a new piece of legislation to boot
This further extension of the commercial tenant evictions ban will help those worst affected by the pandemic, such as bars and restaurants, who are still suffering due to ongoing restrictions, due to reduced capacity and some venues not being able to open some 16 months on and being forced to close.

In an effort to lessen financial pressure on tenant businesses, the Government has also extended the restriction on the use of the Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery (CRAR) process by landlords until 25 March 2022. This measure does not, it seems, increase the total number of days’ outstanding rent required for CRAR to be used, namely:

• 457 days (between 25 March 2021 and 23 June 2021), and

• 554 days (between 24 June 2021 and 30 June 2021).

The Government is also planning on introducing a new Act of Parliament to deal with the accrued arrears of businesses forced to close during the pandemic – effectively forcing landlords to agree on a payment plan with their tenants who have been forced to close through COVID or be thrust into an arbitration process where an agreement may be imposed upon them.

Can commercial tenants be evicted?

No, the commercial eviction ban means that tenants cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent until 25 March 2022. However, this only applies to disputes regarding rent arrears. If a commercial tenant is in breach of the covenants in their lease, the landlord may still take action against them (and the outcome could include forfeiture of the lease).

We help commercial landlords and tenants to resolve property disputes fairly and with commercial objectives in mind, whether this relates to non-payment of rent or breach of covenant – get in touch to find out how we can support you.

How will the business evictions ban extension help tenants?

The commercial evictions ban extension will continue to provide a much-needed lifeline for those businesses still struggling, particularly those in the hospitality sector, helping them get back on their feet after months of restrictions and closures.

However, it is important to stress that this extension will only delay the landlord’s rights; it does not affect a landlord’s right to forfeiture after the March 2022 extension ends and commercial tenant evictions will once more be possible from this point onwards. The new act of parliament is essentially creating a ring fence around accrued debt during periods of closure and businesses are being encouraged to prioritise new and future rent.

As a landlord, is there anything I can do about the commercial evictions ban?

Many commercial landlords have shown flexibility, understanding and commitment to protecting businesses during an exceptionally challenging time. However, with yet another delay, the extension of the commercial evictions ban will significantly impact their own cash flow in some cases.

It is important that landlords use upcoming months to assess their position and seek to resolve the matter with their tenants. At the moment, there is little detail on the proposed new act and no date given as to when it will come into being, so for some this will mean continuing to issue proceedings at court for debt claims of arrears accrued before being forced into arbitration.

But for many others, continuing to negotiate with their tenants to reach an agreement on unpaid rent may be the most commercially astute way forward (particularly if the alternative is to force the tenant into an insolvency situation). Either way, landlords would be well advised to grasp the nettle now, as doing nothing is not a helpful strategy.

If a negotiated solution is reached, it’s important to remember that:

  • any voluntary arrangements, including monthly rent payments or rent holidays, are properly and legally documented to protect both parties;
  • new agreed terms are clear and binding and do not prejudice any other lease provisions; and
    the arrangements do not require either a lender or bank consent.

We’re here to help

Our commercial property disputes team can help you through these difficult situations and guide you towards a solution – contact James Fownes, Martin Edwards, Justine Ball or another member of the property disputes team, for advice and support.

From inspirational SHMA Talks to informative webinars, we also have lots of educational and entertaining content for life and business. Visit SHMA® ON DEMAND.

Our free legal helpline offers bespoke guidance on a range of subjects, from employment and general business matters through to director’s responsibilities, insolvency, restructuring, funding and disputes. We also have a team of experts on hand for any queries on family and private matters too. Available from 10am-12pm Monday to Friday, call 0800 689 4064.

Get In Touch

James specialises in advising on and resolving all aspects of commercial landlord and tenant disputes, regularly involving dilapidations, forfeiture, the contentious aspects of lease renewals, service charge issues and the operation of break clauses.

James has a growing reputation in the Midlands and beyond for solving commercial property problems.

Clients and others have described James in the major legal directories as “a sound technician” and “a very bright, personable lawyer with a great commercial head.” He is also described as an “outstanding” lawyer noted for being “very bright and commercial.”

Written By

Published: 17th June 2021
Area: Property Disputes

How We Can Help

Property Disputes

We’re known as skilled and confident litigators for all types of real estate disputes – We’ll help you weigh up the risks and rewards – and push for the result that makes good business sense.

Our Latest Property Disputes Updates

Building Safety Act 2022: Tips for developers and freeholders

13 Apr

Property Disputes

Building Safety Act 2022: Tips for developers and freeholders

Read article Right Arrow

What is a section 25 notice?

14 Oct

Landlord & Tenant Advice

What is a section 25 notice?

Read article Right Arrow

Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022

19 Jul

Real Estate & Planning

Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022

Read article Right Arrow

Our experts are here to answer any questions you might have

If you’d like to speak to a member of our team, please fill out the enquiry form. We will aim to reply to your query within 2 hours

Need to talk to someone sooner? You can call use at the number below

Call Us: 0330 024 0333