The measures that our government has taken to safeguard the going concern of businesses and individuals in this difficult time must be commended. However, landlords have been left in an awkward and rather disadvantaged position.

Whilst the lenders still have the right to do their due diligence in deciding whether or not to lend money to businesses in need under CBILS, the landlords have been bound to keep tenants in the property and provide all necessary amenities from their own pockets even to the habitual non-paying or late-paying tenants. Whereas the lenders are guaranteed by the UK government 80% of the lent amounts, nothing even close to that is offered to the landlords.

Many of these landlords are not the freeholders and hence they still have to pay the freeholders the agreed amounts. Many of these landlords are paying mortgage on the properties so again are obliged to make the payments or request deferrals. The very few who are in a position to request payment holiday will have to pay interest on outstanding amounts and will risk losing their properties if they do not keep up with the increased payments. Many landlords rely on the rental income to run their kitchens, pensioners are one example. However, as usual, their interest was completely ignored and they are being expected to render free services to the tenants.

The Government must announce measures to safeguard the interest of the landlords of residential properties, including assurance that any irrecoverable rents would be reimbursed to the landlords. If large banks deserve this assurance despite all the due diligence and discretion in granting the loans, then landlords who have not been given any choice should not be an exception.