Extension on ban on evictions of commercial property tenants confirmed

The UK government has confirmed it will be extending its moratorium on commercial property tenant evictions for non-payment of rent until the end of December 2020. This latest move, extending the current deadline from 30 September 2020, is aimed at protecting businesses from the threat of eviction until after the Christmas period. The extension will be welcomed by struggling commercial tenants such as retailers and restaurateurs.

However, despite the government emphasising that tenants who can afford to pay their rent should still do so, the extension will no doubt come as a frustrating blow to commercial landlords, many of whom are likely to have been relying on the previous 30 September 2020 deadline to be able to take action against defaulting tenants. It is therefore all the more important for both parties to continue to communicate in an effort to attempt to reach a mutually convenient compromise.

If you need any assistance with the matters addressed in this update, please contact any member of the Property Litigation team.

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