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How will Switzerland’s two-month coronavirus rent waiver for small businesses work?

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How will Switzerland’s two-month coronavirus rent waiver for small businesses work?
Photo: FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP

Switzerland’s Council of States on Monday approved a two-month rent waiver for small businesses and self-employed people affected by the coronavirus crisis.

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According to the proposal, smaller companies which were closed or had their business heavily impacted by the coronavirus crisis will be provided with a rent waiver for a two-month period. 

As reported by Swiss daily Watson, the proposal passed with a vote of 24 to 19, although it still requires approval in the National Council in order for it to become law. 

READ: Switzerland offers relief for those struggling to pay rent 

The proposal applies both to small businesses and to self-employed people, provided their rent does not exceed CHF5,000 per month. 

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In order to qualify for the rent waiver, renters will need to have suffered a decline in operations by more than 50 percent during the coronavirus crisis. 

READ: Zurich nightlife venues and landlords clash over plan to not pay rent 

The relevant period of comparison is the same time last year. 

Any additional costs on top of the rent would still need to be paid. 

Rent decreases were discussed as part of the country's economic stimulus package with regard to the coronavirus, however as yet no nationwide plan has been developed. 

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