He and his partner Ash are renegotiating their commercial lease in the midst of the sweeping economic upheaval that has forced many tenants and landlords to play hardball.

The Farrows think they can reach a compromise and ease pressure on their ailing Mitchell Street business.

"We've been with our landlord for quite a few years and we want to be with her for a few more years. That's not going to happen if she, or we, go under," Mr Farrow said.

Others tenants and landlords are not in that position, commercial lawyer Mark Bolton said.

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Some have been forced to take a tougher line as financial security vanish almost overnight, he said.

"I've seen some instances where there has been a complete pushback and both parties have stuck to their guns to see what will happen.

"You are seeing tenants scratching around for a legal basis to get out of their contracts or at least justify a reduction in the rent. We are really entering new territory here. There's a lot of unknowns."

The Silver Tongue's main money earners before the coronavirus arrived were tattoos and body piercings.

Both services have stopped until it is safe to ease social distancing restrictions.

The Farrows are still selling clothing, jewellery, accessories and artwork online, but Jared does not expect to come anywhere near close enough to make up the shortfall.

He does not want to pass the buck.

"The only good thing to come out of the coronavirus mess is that we are seeing a stronger sense of people wanting to help everyone else. We don't want to be any different," Mr Farrow said.

"Ideally, it would be great if we didn't have to pay rent. Realistically, if we could get it down at least 50 per cent it still wouldn't be maintainable but at least it would give us a bit more longevity."

Mr Bolton is urging both tenants and landlords to comply with new federal guidelines to help deal with the stresses the economic crisis has placed on landlords and their tenants.

The guidelines are yet to be enshrined in Victorian law but that is expected to happen in coming weeks.

The group handling Mr Farrow's lease is also urging its clients to follow the new guidelines even if they are not yet law.

"And we are just waiting for our landlord to get the assistance she needs and find out where she needs to go next," Mr Farrow said.

Until then, the Farrows are focusing on what they can control.

"At the moment we are offering free delivery just to try to keep people interested and going to the website," Mr Farrow said.

"And one thing we have been able to turn our focus to is our artistry. Ash has gone from tattooing to making these illustrations and prints."

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