The States is being asked to engage with private landlords in a “balanced way”, with one estate agent concerned that commercial landlords "are being asked to put their hands in their pockets again", after P&R urged them to consider waiving rents for business premises.
The Policy & Resources Committee has decided to waive rents for commercial tenants in States property and mooring fees for commercial fisherman – in a statement, P&R hopes this will encourage private landlords to "consider how they can support their business tenants".
“We know that as lockdown continues the pressure on businesses grows,” said Treasury lead for P&R, Deputy Mark Helyar.
Pictured: “We’re reintroducing measures which helped small businesses through the first lockdown,” said Deputy Helyar.
For commercial landlords, It’s not as simple as simply waiving rent for tenants.
“Commercial landlords are seen as being affluent and rich, when this isn’t always the case," said Mawson Collins Director Mike Collins.
"A lot of [landlords] have their own mortgages to pay for.”
With a booming private rental market, landlords in the private sector are not facing the same conundrum. Some businesses cannot operate during lockdown at all, putting pressure on tenants and subsequently their landlords if payments cannot be met.
“Commercial landlords are being asked to put their hands in their pockets again,” said Mr Collins.
“It’s right for the States to engage, but they need to engage in a balanced way. Every situation is different, yes they should give advice, but all advice should be balanced.”
Mr Collins stresses that every situation is unique and there is no “one size fits all” solution.
“The key is communication and transparency,” he said. "Don’t assume anything. You should communicate and have that dialogue. Don’t assume your landlord is well off, and therefore you can hold back on paying rent.”
Pictured: The problem is limited in the rental market, with many people working from home and receiving support from the States of Guernsey.
The Chair of the Guernsey Private Residential Landlords Association shared a similar sentiment with us.
“The first port of call is to call your landlord,” said Jeff Guilbert.
“For people out of work, there is help from the States. Lots of people are working from home. There is a problem, but it is a limited one.”
There are a number of avenues for people who need financial help during lockdown, and we’re being urged to seek it if we need it.
Both payroll support and the hardship fund have been reinstated, and there’s plenty of other options available too.
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