Labor leader Rebecca White says tenants are facing barriers to access COVID-19 rental support scheme

A new scheme designed to support tenants experiencing financial hardship because of coronavirus impacts has just been introduced, but those needing support are already facing barriers.

LABOR says tenants are already facing barriers to accessing a new rental relief scheme designed to help people facing financial woes because of the impacts of coronavirus.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said those trying to get help through the COVID-19 Rent Relief Fund were having to jump through hoops.

The scheme provides support of up to $2000 or four weeks rent, whichever is less, for tenants suffering from extreme hardship.

But the funding is dependent on landlords agreeing to a rent reduction, with payments made directly to the landlords of eligible tenants to pass on as a reduction.

Ms White said some tenants would not be confident to ask their landlord or real estate agent for a rent reduction, for fear it may jeopardise their tenancy or renewal of their lease.

Labor leader Rebecca White said there is no guarantee renters will be able to access the fund if landlords don’t aggree to a decrease. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Those tenants who do approach their landlord or real estate agent have no guarantee a rent reduction will be agreed, which leaves the tenant ineligible for the rent relief grant,’’ she said.

Ms White said she had been contacted by people who were running out of options to keep a roof over their head, and claimed the rental grant scheme was flawed.

Ben Bartl from the Tenants Union said because the program had only been in operation for less than a week, it was difficult to get a full picture of any shortcomings.

But he said the key issue was what could be done to ensure landlords were encouraged to enter into negotiated rent reductions.

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“The landlord is losing something, but practically, most landlords are going to enter into a rent reduction because something is better than nothing,’’ he said.

Attorney-General Elise Archer said landlords were encouraged to negotiate in good faith for rental reductions for those seeking assistance under the scheme.

“However, if eligible tenants are unable to gain agreement from their landlord, they should contact the Office of the Residential Tenancy Commissioner who will work with both parties to assist in agreement being reached,’’ she said.

“In the event that an agreement cannot be reached with the landlord, there is flexibility to make the payment directly to the tenant. The Commissioner is yet to receive any enquiries in this regard.”

Ms Archer said 23 tenants had applied for the fund, with more than 100 inquiries received.