Distressed agents may benefit from latest commercial eviction ban

Estate agents facing crippling running costs as the wider impacts of the Coronavirus crisis hit home may benefit, at least in the short term, from new measures aimed at preventing High Street businesses being evicted this summer.

The government has amended the Coronavirus Act and allied legislation to extend the de facto eviction ban ending from June 30 - just next week - to September 30. 

This means that no business will be forced out of its premises if they miss a payment in the next three months, says the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Other legislation is being introduced to prevent landlords using Commercial Rent Arrears Recovery unless they are owed 189 days of unpaid rent - again, the period for which this measure is in force will be extended from June 30 to September 30.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick - in the middle of a slew of allegations concerning his involvement in controversial planning decisions - says of the move: “As our high streets come to life and our town centres open for business, it is crucial that both landlords and tenants have clarity and reassurance as they seek to keep their finances stable and bounce back.

That is why we are extending measures to protect those who are unable to pay rent from eviction so that businesses have the security they need to plan for their futures.”

His ministry adds that an amendment to the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill is also to be made, which extends the current temporary ban on the use of statutory demands and winding-up petitions where a company cannot pay its bills due to Coronavirus until September 30.