In recognition of the fact that the challenges faced by businesses as a result of Covid-19 are likely to quite quickly trickle down to staff and the general public, the government has announced that mortgage lenders will support individuals that are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of Covid-19 by providing mortgage payment holidays of up to three months. For individuals needing this support, the mortgage provider should be the first point of contact.

Whilst the loan holiday support is aimed at homeowners, such support is not currently extended to include buy to let mortgages so landlords should carefully check what protection, if any, is in place to protect rental income.

Recognising the fact that many individuals occupy their homes on a rental basis, it is expected that the government will bring in measures to support tenants experiencing financial difficulties as a result of Covid-19, although further details are not currently available.

In addition to the government led loan repayment holiday initiative, it is encouraging to see that a number of lenders are also starting to offer loan interest repayment holidays of up to six months, as well as offering emergency loans for businesses struggling as a result of Covid-19.

Commercial Rent Deferrals

To support UK businesses, the Government has confirmed that commercial tenants that are unable to pay their rent due to disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic will not face eviction.

The Government had already banned evictions on private residential tenants but has now confirmed that the three-month moratorium on evictions and debt enforcement will be extended to cover commercial leases as well.

Although many commercial landlords and tenants are already coming to voluntary arrangements about rental payments, the Government is taking steps to support businesses struggling with their cash flow due to Coronavirus who are concerned about the prospect of debts and possible eviction.

The new measures confirmed in the emergency Coronavirus Bill ensures that no business will be forced out of their premises if they miss a payment in the next three months.

However, tenants will still be liable for the rent due in arrears after this period and the Government has said it is actively monitoring the impact on commercial landlords’ cash flow to ensure their operations are not put at risk.

It is not yet clear how tenants will be expected to repay deferred rent payments and this might differ from one lease to another, but a variety of options may be available, including:

• Extending the length of the lease to cover the time lost
• Distributing the lost rental income across the entirety of the remaining lease period
• Increasing rents in future to make up for any loss.

Tenants and landlords must discuss these options and agree on the future arrangements of the lease.