Businesses across the US have closed due to the COVID19 Pandemic. As consumers understandably stayed home to flatten the curve, businesses either chose or were forced to close. In Cincinnati, Malls were closed in mid March and will remain closed into mid May.

Back in March, tenants of the Kenwood Towne Center were informed that March rent would be prorated and to hold off on paying April rent.

Now, the mall property managers (Brookfield Properties) are informing tenants that they are responsible for full March, April, and May rent, even though the mall was (and still is) closed. 

Requests for rent relief have gone unaddressed. Many businesses in the Kenwood Towne Centre, like kiosk stores, are small business owners who choose to pay premium rental rates based on its foot traffic.  While the mall is closed, businesses have no income, yet are being required to pay rent. 

While Brookfield Properties is making plans for reopening the Kenwood Towne Centre, the mall will have reduced hours and there will likely be reduced foot traffic until consumers are comfortable that the Pandemic is under control. Property Managers should make provide businesses with rent relief by eliminating rent while the mall is closed and reduce rent until foot traffic returns to normal.