GOOD NEWS: Small business landlords support small business

Here are examples of small business landlords supporting small business retailers, including newsagents, with rent relief.

1. 2 months rent free, April and May, without being asked.
2. 1 month rent free and 50% off for May and June, without being asked.
3. 75% off for six months, after one request for help.
4. 50% off for 3 months, after one request.
5. A 100% credit for March, 50% off April and 25% off May, after one request.
6. 50% off for 3 months, after one request.
7. 2 months rent free, after visiting the shop a week ago and seeing it and the street empty.
8. No rent increase, which was due as per the lease from May, and a discount of 33% for the next for months, after one request.
9. 25% off for April, with no request, and then 50% off for the next 3 months after being given the revenue figures for the business.
10. 2 months rent free, 2 months half price and 2 months 25% off, after one request and a phone call to discuss.

In each case, the landlords and tenants have acted respectfully and cooperatively. Indeed, most landlords have gone beyond what has been sought through the mandatory national code as put in place by the national cabinet.

This is great news.

Well done small business landlords. They have come through for small business retailers in timely and genuinely helpful ways.

The 10 stories above are only some I have heard of. They are representative though. There are small business high street retailers happy today to have the landlord they have, appreciating their support and the relief it provides.

Many landlords of small business retail tenancies are small business owners themselves with only 1, 2 or a few commercial properties in their portfolio. Many acted before state or territory governments moved on taxes and other costs. This is small business helping small business.

We talk about heroes these days, the health front line team members, cleaners, teachers, drivers and others keeping the economy running. I’d attach that label to the landlords who are supporting small business retailers, especially those in essential businesses. The landlord actions through rent reductions and other help is wonderful to see, and appreciated.

There are wonderful people in Australia who are helping in everyday ways, often beyond their capacity.  Some of these small business landlords are in that group. Thank you!