The Shoalhaven Business Chamber has welcomed the NSW government's two-month extension of rent relief arrangements for small businesses suffering as a result of COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the prevalence of COVID in the community at an all-time high and continuing to rise, numerous businesses are experiencing staff shortages as workers isolate, in turn forcing them to limit their operations or close.
Shoalhaven Business Chamber president Jemma Tribe said the extension will provide an added peace of mind to local small businesses doing it tough.
"It is one of the measures Business NSW and associated organisations like the Shoalhaven Business Chamber have been calling for given the bumpy start to 2022," she said.
"We welcome the extension."
Property owners must negotiate rent relief agreements with eligible tenants in financial distress due to COVID, and offer relief proportionate to the tenant's decline in turnover.
Eligibility for rent relief will remain unchanged. It is extended until March 13.
Kiama MP Gareth Ward also welcomed the move and said the extension will provide much-needed support for small commercial and retail tenants to keep their doors open.
"With staff shortages and reduced foot traffic, many businesses are struggling at the moment but the ability to negotiate rent will give them a buffer so they can keep the lights on," he said.
"We appreciate and acknowledge the constructive approach of commercial owners in working together with their tenants in these very challenging circumstances."
Commercial and retail tenants will be eligible if they have an annual turnover of less than $5 million and continue to meet the eligibility criteria for JobSaver or the Micro-business Grant, had those programs continued.
Landlords of tenants that have received protections for any period under the relevant COVID legislation cannot evict tenants for certain breaches of leases, without attending mediation first.
NSW landowners also have more time to apply for land tax relief - application have been extended to February 28 for eligible commercial and residential landowners.
The Commercial Landlord Hardship Fund also provides small commercial or retail landlords with a monthly grant up to the value of any rental relief provided, to a maximum of $3000 per month per property.
More information is available online.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
