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I'm a little surprised that commercial landlords of businesses that are affected aren't stepping up to offer rent concessions. Yes, I get they don't want to tak

I'm a little surprised that commercial landlords of businesses that are affected aren't stepping up to offer rent concessions. Yes, I get they don't want to take a hit -- but they're generally in much better positions to do so than restaurants and cafés that run on less than 5% profit margins during good times. (And, yes, I'm sure the more leftist and anti-capitalist out there will say "but are you really surprised?," and they'll absolutely have a point.)

ehnto 7y ago
It is your government's responsibility, local or federal I don't mind. This is why you pay taxes, to provide services to your citizens, one of which is disaster preparedness. I wouldn't be quick to put the burden onto businesses. If such a thing were mandated you would pretty quickly bankrupt a bunch of landlords who were not in the position to take it, and you would shift a bunch of property ownership to the banks, the consquences of which I am not sure of. It isn't so much about greed but rather responsibility. Is it really a businesses responsibility to take care of citizens? Shouldn't the government be doing that, and don't you pay them to do that? I know America is skewed a bit, having businesses provide you your healthcare probably confuses their role in society. But something is off if you feel we should turn to a commercial realtor for community support.
- chipotle_coyote 7y ago
  I don't disagree with that, to be clear -- my thought is more that everyone is in this together. There's a lot of actions only a government can practically take, and others they would probably do better than private actors even if private actors could also do it. (Health insurance being a prime example.) But none of that precludes a landlord from giving businesses (and, of course, individuals and families) a rent break without waiting for the government to compel them to do so.
  - ehnto 7y ago
    You're certainly not wrong, and I've seen a number of instances where landlords are being lenient with rent to tenants which is certainly commendable.

ehnto 7y ago

It is your government's responsibility, local or federal I don't mind. This is why you pay taxes, to provide services to your citizens, one of which is disaster preparedness. I wouldn't be quick to put the burden onto businesses. If such a thing were mandated you would pretty quickly bankrupt a bunch of landlords who were not in the position to take it, and you would shift a bunch of property ownership to the banks, the consquences of which I am not sure of. It isn't so much about greed but rather responsibility. Is it really a businesses responsibility to take care of citizens? Shouldn't the government be doing that, and don't you pay them to do that? I know America is skewed a bit, having businesses provide you your healthcare probably confuses their role in society. But something is off if you feel we should turn to a commercial realtor for community support.

chipotle_coyote 7y ago
I don't disagree with that, to be clear -- my thought is more that everyone is in this together. There's a lot of actions only a government can practically take, and others they would probably do better than private actors even if private actors could also do it. (Health insurance being a prime example.) But none of that precludes a landlord from giving businesses (and, of course, individuals and families) a rent break without waiting for the government to compel them to do so.
- ehnto 7y ago
  You're certainly not wrong, and I've seen a number of instances where landlords are being lenient with rent to tenants which is certainly commendable.