Our colleagues from RTL Radio got their hands on the new ruling, which gives the café time until October to resolve late payments. Rates have also been adjusted, meaning that for the period from 18 March until 26 October 2020, only 50% have to be paid. 85% are required for the time between 27 May and 9 June, and between 50 and 75% for all remaining periods, depending on the level of restrictions in place at the time.
The judges in the case thus ruled that neither the landlord nor the tenant will have to pay the full price of the economic losses resulting from administrative closures and public restrictions. The court acknowledged both sides of the precarious situation and decided that on the one hand, the tenant was not able to carry out business during these times, and on the other hand, the landlord was not responsible for the risks of the tenant's business. Both parties are thus expected to show responsibility, good will, and solidarity.
The new ruling, which is partially in favour of the tenant, now begs the question for other businesses whether similar cases they lost can now be reopened.
