// Commercial landlords banned from evicting retailers until the end of June
// The move will give retailers breathing space after they reopen no sooner than April 12
// The BRC welcomed the move
Restrictions on landlords evicting business tenants in England will buy struggling high street businesses enough time to start trading again, the government has said.
Landlords will be banned from evicting commercial tenants, including struggling retailers and other high street businesses, until the end of June.
Communities secretary Robert Jenrick also extended the requirement for residential landlords to provide six-month notice periods to tenants before they evict until at least May 31.
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The move will give retailers some breathing room after their doors reopen no sooner than April 12.
“It is right that as we move through the road map, we ensure that businesses and renters continue to be supported,” Jenrick said.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “We’re doing everything we can to ensure businesses get the support they need to get through this pandemic and reopen when it is safe to do so.
“I know business owners will welcome this latest package of support and the breathing space it will give them to prepare for a safe reopening, and, ultimately, to build back better.”
BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said retailers have lost more than £22 billion in sales and the rules provided “vital protection” against landlords pushing businesses into administration.
“After months of lockdown, this announcement provides much-needed breathing space to retailers, many of which are sitting on rising rent liabilities,” she said.
with PA Wires
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