COVID-19: UPDATED – Guidelines for COVID-related Commercial Rent Deferral Program
UPDATE: Please note that the direction temporarily banning evictions provided by the minister (linked below) relates to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic only. Those businesses capable of making rent MUST pay per their rental agreement.
Commercial Rent Deferral Program Highlights:
- NO employee minimum to be eligible (newly updated!)
- Rental deferral agreements must be in place by April 1 and you must register your intent with the Department of Business by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3, by emailing NSRentDeferral@novascotia.ca.
Those looking to defer rent can click here to read the full guidelines related to the COVID-19 Rent Deferral Support Program.
On March 27, 20202, the Minister of Municipal Affairs released direction, concerning the protection of property and a province-wide ban on evictions.
Effective as of 6:00 am on March 31, 2020, all retail and other commercial landlords are prohibited from exercising the remedies of notice to quit or distress available under a commercial lease, commercial agreement, the Tenancy and Distress for Rent Act, or otherwise for rent due on or after March 22, 2020, from a retail or commercial tenant who has been required to close their business or their business has been substantially and directly restricted under the requirements of a Medical Officer’s order issued under the Health Protection Act
Read the full direction issued under the Emergency Management Act here.