The measures, originally expected to expire at the end of September, are intended to protect businesses that have found themselves unable to pay their rent due to the lockdown imposed across the country earlier in the year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Secretary Alok Sharma said:

“During this particularly challenging time for businesses, it is crucial that both landlords and tenants have the clarity and reassurance they need to build back better from the pandemic.”

“Extending the temporary measures we put in place earlier this year to protect businesses from the threat of eviction will give them some much-needed breathing space at a critical moment in the UK’s economic recovery.”

With encouragement for both landlords and tenants to work together to agree rent payment options, the government continues to advise that the Code of Practice published in June should be used to support discussions around rent.

Visit Gov.uk to read the government’s press release on this decision in full.