Wales’ extension on moratorium for commercial rent arrears due to end six months before England’s

20 July 2021

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The Welsh Government has announced that the moratorium in Wales against forfeiture for the non-payment of commercial rent will now be extended until 30th September 2021. It was originally due to end on 30th June 2021. The moratorium in England has been extended until 25th March 2022.

Although this restricts the options open to landlords to recover arrears that have arisen due to the pandemic the government says they should continue to pay rent wherever possible and it is in the interests of both landlords and tenants to reach negotiated agreements on any arrears.  The Welsh Government says it will consider the matter further for Wales in the months ahead.

Philip Angell, Director of Property Management said, “I welcome the fact that The Welsh Government has not gone as far as the UK Government as I do not think a blanket moratorium across all sectors targets support where it is needed most. There is undoubtedly a huge rent debt problem that needs to be resolved but this can only be put off for so long.  The Welsh Government will keep this under review and could, of course, further extend the moratorium.” 

The UK Government recently announced how it intends to deal with the issue of commercial rent arrears built up during the pandemic.

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