Q:
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What type of rental relief does rental relief framework cover?
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A:
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There are two types of rental relief, rental relief supported by Government assistance and additional rental relief supported by landlords/property owners.
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Q:
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What period does the rental relief framework cover?
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A:
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Duration of Relief (Relief Period)
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Type of Relief
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Qualifying Commercial Properties
(e.g shops)
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Other Non-Residential Properties
(e.g Industrial/Office Properties)
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(A) Rental Relief (supported by Government assistance)
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Rental Waiver
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2 months
(April – May 2020)
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1 month
(April 2020)
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(B) Additional Rental Relief
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Rental Waiver
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2 months
(June - July 2020)
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1 month
(May 2020)
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Total
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4 months
(April – July 2020)
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2 months
(April – May 2020)
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Q:
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What are the eligibility criteria for a tenant-occupier to qualify under the rental relief framework?
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A:
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The rental relief framework applies to qualifying leases or licences in writing or evidenced in writing which are:
1.
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Entered into before 25 March 2020 or entered into before 25 March 2020 but expired and renewed either automatically or in exercise of a right of renewal in the contract ; and
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2.
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In force any time between 1 April and 31 July 2020 for qualifying commercial propertied; and between 1 April and 31 May 2020 for other non-residential properties (e.g. industrial/office properties)
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The Rental Relief will apply to all tenant-occupiers who are (i) SMEs with <=$100 million in annual revenue for the financial year ending 2018, at the entity leave or (ii) eligible non-profit organizations. IRAS will generally assess the entity’s revenue based on Year of Assessment 2019 tax returns.
The Additional Rental Relief will apply to tenant-occupiers as follows:
1.
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For SMEs: Group annual revenue for the financial year ending 2018 as shown in its financial statements must be not more than $100 million, and at least a 35% drop in average monthly revenue at the outlet level from Apr-May 2020 compared to Apr-May 2019;
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2.
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For Non-profit Organizations (NPOs): At least a 35% drop in revenue at the entity level for the period Apr-May 2020 compared to Apr-May 2019.
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Q:
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What does a landlord need to waive?
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A:
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Landlords must waive the contractual rent of the eligible tenant for the relief period, excluding any maintenance and service fees.
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Q:
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Can a landlord challenge the tenant’s eligibility for rental waivers?
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A:
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Generally, when IRAS issues the notice of cash grant, the tenant-occupiers have been ascertained to meet the eligibility criteria for the Rental Relief based on the records. Landlord could also request the tenant to provide the following documents within 5 working days:
1.
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Financial statements for the financial year ending 2018 ;or
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2.
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A statutory declaration stating that the tenant-occupier meets the criteria for Rental Relief and Additional Rental Relief (where applicable).
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