Minister Barr: ACT Government supports lower rents for tenants impacted by COVID-19
- Written by ACT Government
Released 15/08/2020 - Joint media release
Following the successful implementation of a scheme to encourage landlords to provide lower rents to their tenants, the ACT Government will extend the scheme by a further three months to support Canberra renters that have been impacted by COVID-19.
This is an uncertain time for many people in our community, some of which are facing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. Encouraging landlords to provide reduced rent is just one way that the ACT Government can support renters that may be suffering from a loss in income.
The scheme offers a land tax rebate to landlords who reduce tenants rent by at least 25 per cent. The government will match 50 per cent of the rent reduction to a maximum of $2,600 over six months or $100 per week. The government’s share of the rent reduction is provided to landlords through a rebate on their land tax and general rates.
As at 13 August 2020, 759 landlords have applied for the rebate,providing significant rent relief to households in the ACT during this difficult time. Landlords that have already received rebates are encouraged to apply again to extend the rebate until December 2020 if they continue to pass on the rent reduction to their affected tenants.
Other supports implemented by the ACT Government for tenants under financial duress due to COVID-19 include a short-term moratorium on evictions which was recently extended until October 2020, temporary freeze of rental increases and prevention of ‘blacklisting’ as a result of being unable to pay rent.
Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay
“We understand this is a difficult time for many Canberrans, particularly those that have suffered a significant reduction in their income. We are pleased that so many landlords are taking advantage of these rebates so Canberrans that are struggling financially are not left without a home.
“However, I want to remind people that this isn’t a licence for tenants to completely forgo their rental obligations. If you are not impacted financially by COIVD-19 and can pay your rent, then you are required to do so.
“All parties need to come to the table if their living situation has been disrupted due to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For information on your rights and obligations during this period visit: www.covid19.act.gov.au/resources
If tenants need legal advice in relation to their living situation, they should contact ACT Legal Aid on 1300 654 634.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
