\n<\/p>\n
But for Zelaya, it\u2019s too little too late.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have lost at least $10,000 in equipment and merchandise that was in the property because I was locked out by the landlord,\u201d Zelaya said. \u201cOn top of not having an income for months, I have lost assets, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Laura Jones, chief strategic officer of Canadian Federation of Independent Business, is concerned that the biggest deterrent for landlords is how tedious the CECRA application is.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne landlord we heard from had been on hold for four hours with CMHC,\u201d she said. \u201cThey are being asked to ask tenants for detailed financial information like projecting June\u2019s revenues. That\u2019s really difficult to do given that we\u2019re in a state flux here with the economy reopening. I\u2019m just going to use plain language and say providing rent relief this way is dumb.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recipe Unlimited\u2019s Hennessey is calling for the federal government to impose a one-year moratorium on evicting restaurants and small business retailers, and allow tenants to walk away from their leases without penalty if they do not receive abatement support.<\/p>\n
\nProviding rent relief this way is dumb<\/p>\n
Laura Jones, CFIB<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\u201cThe voluntary nature of the (CECRA) program is its greatest weakness,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
But First Capital\u2019s Robins cautions against judging the program too soon. He said it will take time for landlords to submit applications, and for the CMHC to process them.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe process has to be extensive,\u201d he said. \u201cThe government has put vigilance and vigour into ensuring that money is going into the right hands.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Zelaya is in the process of filing a lawsuit against his landlord, a process he said will cost additional time and money.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last three months have just been a complete nightmare, and I have tried to stay positive, but, at this point, I just need more help,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Financial Post<\/em><\/p>\n
\u2022 Email: vsubramaniam@nationalpost.com<\/a> | Twitter: VanmalaS<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n