- Head to Tenants Victoria rent reductions guide page.
- Victorian Government is still offering assistance to renters.
- Continued state support remains even after some "one-off" grants.
- Ban on some evictions has been extended to 28 March 2021.
Following the crippling effects of COVID-19, many are still struggling with rent payments.
The Victorian Government ban on evictions was extended once more, the new end date 28 March 2021.
This is not a silver bullet though, with several exceptions included.
For more information see the Justice Connect website on the eviction ban.
A number of options exist to assist tenants, two of them including:
- Tenants Victoria guide to asking for rent reductions and dispute resolution,
- Continued Victorian Government support and rent-relief grants.
Tenants Victoria information
The tenancy advocacy organisation has released its step-by-step guide on landlord negotiations (including estate agents), and explanations on the newly established Residential Tenancies Dispute Resolution Scheme (RTDRS).
Tenancy Victoria recommends as a rule of thumb, rent should be:
“… less than 30 per cent of your gross income (before tax is taken out) on rent.”
The guide also recommends that once you have an agreement that works for both parties:
“… register it with Consumer Affairs Victoria. Registering your agreement will help protect you and will also allow you to apply for the rent relief grant (if you are eligible).”
If you can’t get an agreement, the guide suggests the first step be registering with Consumer Affairs Victoria, who can “refer you and the landlord for free mediation”.
For more information see the guide at Tenancy Victoria.
Relief grant information
The one-off relief grant of $3,000 is made by application online.
Prior to application, Housing Vic states you must lodge a rental agreement with Consumer Affairs Victoria.
The personal savings threshold has also been increased to $10,000 on 4 September 2020.
For more information on rent relief and whether you can apply for additional grants, please visit the Housing Vic website.
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