As a result of the health crisis, many establishments have been forced to close or have suffered severe working hours and/or capacity restrictions.

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The significant drop in income, due to its depth and duration, has resulted in an unsustainable situation for many businesses, which are unable to afford the costs.

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In this context, the extraordinary and overwhelming nature of the pandemic and its impact on the economic sphere allows for the renegotiation of property leases, through the application of the 'rebus sic stantibus' clause.

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The 'rebus sic stantibus' clause (things thus standing) corrects another historical principle of law in Europe, 'pacta sunt servanda' (agreements must be kept).

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In this way, when the circumstances under which the contract was signed unexpectedly change, the parties may withdraw from compliance or renegotiate it.