DTI: 30-day grace period for rent payments still applies under GCQ

Lessors should still give a 30-day grace period for residential and commercial rent payments under the general community quarantine (GCQ), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Sunday.

In a statement, the DTI said the grace period on rents is still applicable under the GCQ, even as several lockdown restrictions have been eased under the protocol.

"As we slowly transition to the new normal, we need to ensure the survival of businesses during these difficult times and in the months beyond the lifting of the quarantine," said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The DTI in March said that rental payments for residential units and commercial establishments will be given a 30-day moratorium while quarantine measures are in place.
 

Metro Manila, along with several high-risk areas, was under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) from March 17 to May 15, followed by a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until May 31.

Such areas have since shifted to a more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) starting June 1, paving the way for more businesses to reopen.

The DTI also last week clarified that the payment of rent should start 30 days after the lifting of quarantine, or at the start of work or business.

"These guidelines will help our countrymen in the wake of the restrictions imposed during the Community Quarantines (CQ) that have severely affected businesses, especially MSMEs," said Lopez.

Under the guidelines, all unpaid rents during the quarantines will not incur interests, penalties, fees, and other charges.

"No eviction for failure to pay the residential or commercial rent may be enforced during the quarantine period," said Lopez.

"However, lessors are not obliged to refund residential and commercial rents paid by the lessees before or during the period of the community quarantine," he added. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News