Protection for business tenancies extended

The move, which extends the special provisions of the Coronavirus Act 2020, means business tenants in the north will continue to be protected from the threat of eviction for non-payment of rent until March 31, 2021.

Minister Murphy explained: “I am committed to supporting local businesses through a range of measures as we continue to battle the economic impact of Covid-19.

“This particular emergency provision was to be in place until the end of 2020 but, given the current challenges, I am again extending this protection for businesses for an additional three months.

“This will mark a full year of protection for business tenants.

“I would again encourage landlords and tenants to work together – tenants should continue to meet their legal obligations and pay their rent in full if they can. However, where this is not possible landlords should show leniency to those businesses in difficulty at this time.”

The temporary protection applies to all business tenancies covered by the Business Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 and to any tenancy to which the Order would apply if any relevant occupier were the tenant.

Section 83, which enabled this protection, is part of the Coronavirus Bill 2020 and provides protection from forfeiture.

A Code of Practice is available to view at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-the-commercial-property-sector