The article reports that many retail chains are seeking rent reductions or suspensions during the Covid-19 coronavirus crisis. Brockhoff & Partner managing partner Eckhard Brockhoff warns that this can threaten private landlords, particularly in smaller towns where property owners often depend on rental income. Retailers including Deichmann, C&A, Adidas, Bijou Brigitte, Pieper, Ernsting’s Family, Kind Hörgeräte, NKD and Thalia have contacted him about rent payments.

Brockhoff says landlords and tenants should negotiate individually and in good faith. Some retailers have announced that they will stop paying rent or service charges, while others are open to discussions. Legal experts have argued that government-ordered closures may allow lease agreements to be adjusted under German law.

The article notes that private landlords still have to meet interest and repayment obligations, even when rental income stops. Brockhoff calls for practical solutions and criticises blanket demands for a 50% rent waiver. He says his own company has not applied for short-time work or state support and intends to manage the crisis with its own resources.

He also expects retail activity to recover after shops reopen, pointing to experience in China where sales rebounded after prolonged closures.

Reported figures and legal context The Handelsblatt article is dated 31.3.2020. C&A operates 1,300 European stores; Deichmann sought deferrals for its 1,500 German stores. The Bundestag’s measure protects qualifying tenants for three months. A German court ruled in 1915 that a dance-hall tenant could reduce rent by more than half after a wartime closure. The article also cites developments in 2019.