SME Web reports that the British Property Federation, which represents the UK property industry, has said that its members will endeavour to work with their tenants to find solutions to any financial problems they may face as a result of rental payments.

Although the average new commercial lease is now 5.7 years, some retailers have complained of being in financial trouble because of having to pay rent three months in advance.

Landlords have said they would be happy to consider monthly payment terms as part of new lease negotiations, which has been the focus of the BRC’s two year campaign.

The BPF’s Commercial Landlords Accreditation Scheme (CLAS) highlights landlords committed to offering the best service. Liz Peace, chief executive of the BPF said that the BPF wants to help tenants who are in trouble.

Peace said that it is not in a landlord’s interests to see a tenant go under, so where tenants are in trouble and she encourages tenants who are in trouble to speak to their landlord. She also says that landlords are willing to explore options to help tenants.

However she did emphasise that it is important to take into account the financial positions of both parties.

Peace says, “the BPF’s Commercial Landlord Accreditation Scheme (CLAS) offers tenants the security of knowing their landlord abides by the highest standards of service. Many BPF members are signed up to CLAS. We hope that those who are not signed up will join and help us continue to improve both service standards and the business environment for our members and their tenants.”

Stephen Robertson, director general of the BRC welcomed the position of the BPF with regards to changing position on monthly rents and being more flexible with retailers.

Robertson says that, “following our successful rent monthly campaign, rents are being offered on monthly terms for new leases almost as standard practice. The leadership of BPF members has helped drive this, and we encourage other commercial landlords to follow their lead.”

Peter Best of Prudential Property Investment Managers Ltd (PRUPIM) said that his organisation has taken into account the new developments and as a result would be offering flexible terms to customers.

He says that, “we are willing to consider monthly rent terms as part of the overall package we offer and recognize that such arrangements may be helpful to struggling businesses. Occupiers who need unconventional payment arrangements should talk directly to us to explore the options.”

Simmons & Hawker Limited and Crown Estate also indicated that they would be making adjustments to the deals they offer their customers in response t the BPF’s statement. 

However there appears to be a rather more lacklustre response from British Land who in a statement said that while they are very happy to consider monthly payments, “however these are unlikely to change unless there is a clear benefit to the company.”



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