Covid-19: Still no political solution for business rents
What happens to the rents of stores closed because of the Covid 19 pandemic remains unresolved. Parliament was unable to reach an agreement in its extraordinary session.
It remains unclear for landlords and tenants of stores closed due to government measures to contain the coronavirus whether rent will be due and, if so, how much.
The Economic Commission of the Council of States WAK-S had initially passed a motion according to which small businesses and self-employed persons who pay less than CHF 5,000 gross per month in rent can have the net rent waived for two months.
The National Council rejected this, preferring a blanket solution: operators of restaurants and other establishments closed by the Federal Council should in principle owe their landlord only 30% of the rent for the period when premises are closed because of the official measures.
The Council of States, in turn, decided on Wednesday to only relieve tenants who pay a gross rent of CHF 8,000 or less. They should be able to reduce their rent for two months by CHF 5,000 each, ancillary costs would remain owed. If the renting parties have already found amicable solutions, these should remain valid. However, the large chamber will now only decide on the amended motion in the summer session.
On the other hand, there was agreement that the Federal Council should examine a hardship fund for landlords whose livelihood is threatened because of rent defaults. This fund is to be worth CHF 20 million. (ah)
