The government intends to publish a code of practice before 24 June 2020 to help discussions between high street businesses and landlords regarding rental payments during the coronavirus pandemic and it has established a working group with the commercial rental sector to develop this.
It is intended that the code will encourage fair and transparent discussions between landlords and tenants over rental payments, provide guidance on rent arrear payments and the treatment of those that are sub-letting and suppliers. The code will initially be a temporary measure although, the government may consider making the code mandatory if necessary.
The Corporate Insolvency and Governance Bill, published on 20 May 2020, also contains further provisions which will affect how landlords deal with matters if it is passed, such as temporarily banning the use of statutory demand.
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