State government extends rent relief fund amid ongoing pandemic-related financial hardship for tenants

The state government has announced several changes to its rental protections scheme including an extension to the Rent Relief Fund which was due to expire at the end of this month.

Attorney-General Elise Archer at a coronavirus update on Friday 4th September 2020. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

• WATCH: Premier Peter Gutwein delivers update after National Cabinet
• Risk management expert, microbiologist says Gutwein and Public Health have it all wrong

RENT relief funding will be extended and a new coronavirus landlord support fund will be established as the state government looks to cushion the blow of the pandemic for tenants and landlords.

Building and Construction Minister Elise Archer yesterday (FRI) announced the state’s Rent Relief Fund, due to expire September 30, would be extended until December 1.

The financial hardship period for commercial tenancies will also be extended until December 1, Ms Archer said.

So far more than 700 Tasmanian residential tenants had accessed the Rent Relief Fund.

In addition to extending the fund, the government will also allow tenants, who have accessed the financial support, to apply for a further payment of up to four weeks rent to a maximum of $2000, if they are still in arrears.

“We have continued to closely monitor the situation, consider all the options, and listen to Tasmanians to best inform the next steps,” Ms Archer said.

TALKING POINT: END TENANT ABUSE OF VIRUS MORATORIUM

Ms Archer said the state government would also introduce a new COVID-19 Landlord Support Fund to support to residential landlords experiencing financial hardship.

“This Fund will offer landlords, who can demonstrate they have tenants in rent arrears, up to four weeks rent to a maximum of $2000 in financial relief,” she said.

Labor’s Housing spokeswoman Alison Standen said the announced rent relief extension was a “common sense response to calls for action from Labor and the community sector”.

“This provides greater certainty to all parties, with protections extended for a further two months,” Ms Standen said.

“Housing security is critical to helping Tasmanians get back into work and it’s important that those suffering hardship due to the pandemic are supported and protected.”

Ms Archer said the state government would soon release for consultation a Bill that will provide for residential landlords and tenants to formally enter into a payment plan to deal with the tenant’s rent arrears.