Largest U.S. mall operator sues Gap for missed rent payments

June 4 (UPI) -- Simon Property Group, the largest mall operator in the United States, is suing clothing retailer Gap for $66 million for unpaid rent during the coronavirus pandemic.

The lawsuit, filed in Delaware state court, says back rent owed by Gap Inc. will continue to accrue each month, plus interest.

Gap is already being sued by landlords in Manhattan and Southern California after it stopped paying rent in April.

There are more than 400 Gap-owned U.S. mall locations, making the retailer Simon's largest in-line rent tenant.

In an earnings call last month, Simon CEO David Simon said he will hold tenants accountable for rent they miss during coronavirus-related closures.

"The bottom line is, we do have a contract and we do expect to get paid," Simon said.

Simon and Gap have begun to reopen in recent weeks. Gap brands include Old Navy and Banana Republic.