UK Landlord Forum / Life

First time i I have posted a question on here.I will try to be brief.Close friends and colleagues have been tenants in a commercial property for 9 years.They live on site,and the business provides income for a registered charity run entirely by volunteers.The landlord never gave a lease,and did not inform his mortgage lenders because sub-letting is prohibited.He put the business on the market a couple of years back,and the trustees and supporters raised and borrowed money, and a deal was about to be signed last Christmas.A legal hitch arose,and then Covid struck.The landlord verbally told the owner to forget paying rent while the business was closed,and concentrate on the charity.The few paid business staff were on furlough,and the business is still barely operating.

The landlord announced as lockdown was easing,that  he had found other buyers,prepared to pay a higher price,and gave the owner 2 months notice to quit August 31st.He also presented a claim for £30k for the unpaid rent.A solicitor is taking on the case for the trustees and business.

My question-will the announced changes to evictions apply to commercial rentals whose income has been affected.In particular could the possible 6 months notice give buy time? I am not the owner living on site,but I am closely involved.Also,is it mortgage fraud to not inform his lenders (and probably his insurers too) that he moved out years ago?