5 tips for negotiating a rent reduction during COVID-19

What can you do if your business can no longer afford to pay rent? Here are 5 practical tips for negotiating a rent reduction with your landlord. 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and subsequent lockdown laws have left most traders facing a loss of revenue, with non-essential stores closing down entirely. Many businesses are now grappling with how to pay  rent on commercial storefronts as their cash flow begins to dry up. 

So, what can you do if you can no longer afford to pay your rent? Here are a few tips on negotiating a new commercial lease with your landlord. 

1. Ensure your books are up-to-date

The government recently announced the intention to introduce a mandatory code of conduct for commercial tenancies to support small and medium-sized businesses impacted by COVID-19. This means commercial landlords may be required to agree to a rent reduction, so that the burden is shared between both parties.

At the time of writing, legislation outlining how exactly the code will be enforced has yet to be enacted, however, the government has indicated that rent reductions may be based on the business’decline in turnover. 

With this in mind, ensure your books are up-to-date and reflect any loss of revenue incurred as a result of closing your business, or, any loss of sales due to the coronavirus crisis.

2. Start the conversation now

There’s no time like the present to start negotiating new commercial lease terms with your landlord especially since it’s not clear when the legislation above may be passed. So, set up a time with your landlord to discuss your current situation.

Here, some preparation can go a long way: consider putting together a proposal for reduced rent, including detailed information about how you have been impacted financially. Even if your landlord won’t agree to a rent reduction now, being transparent about your circumstances can make it easier to negotiate lease terms in future.

3. Consider your other expenses and financial relief options

While you’re in negotiation, you can also look at other ways to cut down your regular business expenses. 

If you’re not trading, consider freezing outgoings such as cleaning and maintenance costs, subscriptions, app fees and paid software which could free up some funds in the short-term. You could also consider financial relief options offered by your business banking provider, such as:

• Repayment relief
• Expanded unsecured lending options
• Payment deferral on business credit cards

4. Put your new lease terms in writing

Whether you’re agreeing to a temporary rent reduction, a deferral or a new lease agreement altogether, be sure to get the details of the agreement in writing so both parties are clear on the terms. This includes:

• What’s changing, e.g. whether rent is being reduced or deferred
• The timeframe for the changes or new agreement
• The rights and responsibilities of both parties, including how the lease can be terminated by the tenant and the landlord
• Terms of renewal or further changes to the agreement

5. Seek professional advice

Remember, a commercial lease is a contract, so it’s a good idea to seek independent legal and financial advice before signing on the dotted line – even if changes to your agreement are temporary.