Letter to Landlords for Small Business Owners to Use for the CECRA Program

Customize this letter and send to your landlord to request their participation in the federal government’s Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program

[LANDLORD/COMPANY NAME]
[LANDLORD'S ADDRESS]
[CITY, PROVINCE, POSTAL CODE]

RE: Participation in the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA)

Dear [LANDLORD'S NAME]:

I am writing in regards to the federal government’s recently established Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA). As your tenant at [INSERT ADDRESS], I am writing to request that you apply for the CECRA program and reduce my rent by 75 per cent for April, May (retroactively), and June, 2020, as per the terms of the program.

My business stopped operations as a result of public health orders [and/or] has experienced a revenue reduction of [XX% (70% or GREATER)]. As such, my business meets the eligibility criteria for CECRA. While I have taken steps to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on my business by [LIST ANY STEPS TAKEN, i.e., virtual visits), the financial losses have been significant. As such, I require assistance to meet rental obligations at this time. By participating in the CECRA program, you can help provide my business with the rent relief needed to stay viable during the pandemic, while still collecting a portion of the rent for your property and retaining my tenancy. This solution avoids an eviction outcome, which would see you collect no rent on this property and the potentially lengthy and difficult process of finding new tenants during the COVID-19 crisis.

The federal and provincial governments are encouraging commercial property owners/landlords to do their part for small businesses in responding to the COVID-19 crisis by participating in the CECRA program. Additional information on the CECRA program, including details on why property owners should apply for CECRA for small businesses, can be found through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's website. The application process begins on May 25, 2020, and I am happy to work with you to provide any details required to complete an application for the program.

Since my lease began on [ENTER LEASE START DATE], I have paid rent on time and worked with you to ensure a positive and productive working relationship. I trust that you will consider this request, and would be pleased to discuss this or any other ideas you have to come to a mutual agreement. I appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this difficult and unprecedented time.

Sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]