A Lands Authority Scheme in relation to the revision of commercial leases and recognition of heirs upon demise of the lessee has been launched.

Minister for the Economy and Industry Silvio Schembri said that there are currently 400 commercial leases on government properties which have expired or are about to expire, as well as a large number of renewals which are also on hold in view of the rise in rental value - much of these commercial leases are generally considered to be traditional, family-run businesses with a limited turnover.

The scenario leading to the scheme showed a rise in the increase of the revised rental value, thus the Lands Authority sought to intervene in establishing a scheme. "Through this scheme, as a government, we are seeking to provide an equitable and affordable solution in order to aid all businesses in the current situation. The scheme shall be limited to those leases which have expired and are pending renewal," said Minister Schembri.

The Minister explained that the scheme is limited to those leases which have expired, those pending renewal and those which are due to expire in the near future, up to the end of year 2023. The scheme shall take into account all requests for recognition of heirs up to the end of the year 2023.

Minister Schembri said that the Lands Authority identified three scenarios in which the scheme would be beneficial to owners.

The first scenario is over lease holders with expired leases or leases about to expire by the end of 2023, who have either refused new terms or haven't applied for renewal. In this case, commercial leases entered into prior to the 25^th April 2017, and which have now expired, or shall expire before the end of 2023, shall be automatically renewed with a standard annual increase of 5% for date of expiry up to the 1^st of June 2028.

The second scenario is that of lease holders who have accepted the renewal and are paying the revised rates, but their lease has expired before the 1^st of June 2028.  In this case, an automatic extension up to the 1^st June 2028 applies, together with a refund difference in rates, by giving notice of a credit note, as well as establishing a new rental value of +5%/annum as of the last expiry date.  Commercial leases entered into prior to the 25^th April 2017 and which have now expired or shall expire before the end of 2023 shall be automatically renewed with a standard annual increase of 5% from date of expiry up to the 1^st of June 2028.

The third scenario is that of lease holders who have already accepted the renewal and are paying the revised rates and will have their lease expire after the 1^st of June 2028. In this case, lease holders can retain the current lease agreement, together with the current rental rates and relative expiry date, or accept the renewal of commercial leases and revision of rental rates of 2021, in which case the lease expiry date shall be changed to the 1^st of June 2028.

 With regards to the recognition of heirs upon demise of the lessee, Minister Schembri said that in the past, when a commercial lease was passed from father to son, the stima peritali was used. Now, the heirs will be recognised and the 5% rental increase per annum will be applied.

 Minister Schembri said that official letters will be sent to all owners who will benefit from this scheme.

 "It is with great satisfaction to note that, amid these circumstances, as a government we sought to leave nobody behind, and through this scheme we sought to ease hardships as well as reach out to all businesses. Moreover, we are looking at replicating such a scheme in other areas related to leases to pursue our drive in lessening bureaucratic procedures," Minister Schembri concluded.