Tenants and landlords affected by ongoing stay-at-home orders will now have access to additional financial support.
The NSW Government's Residential Tenancy Support Package has been increased to up to $4500 per tenancy, with the eviction moratorium also extended until November 11, 2021.
NSW Government MP Mark Coure said both landlords and tenants were doing it tough during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Landlords and tenants may be suffering from reduced employment hours or other forms of financial hardship and these measures will support them as these lockdown measures continue," the Oatley MP said.
"The NSW Government is working tirelessly to ensure that those who need support can access it and that applications are approved and money is processed as soon as possible."
Better Regulation and Innovation Minister Kevin Anderson said the increased payment would incentivise landlords to offer rent reductions to tenants who were doing it tough and the extended eviction moratorium would provide peace of mind.
"This is a further $1500 increase and comes as part of our commitment to supporting people who have taken a hit due to COVID-19," he said.
"COVID-19 impacted residential tenants who are struggling with rent will continue to be protected from eviction due to rental debts until November 11, which is an extra two months protection to the moratorium period previously established.
"Following the moratorium, for the period November 12, 2021 to February 12, 2022, transitional measures will apply and will limit when terminations can occur for rental debt accrued during the moratorium."
For tenants with a repayment plan, a landlord will only be able to terminate your tenancy for this debt if:
- You have failed to make two or consecutive repayments.
- And it is fair and reasonable in the circumstances.
If you have not been able to agree on a repayment plan, a landlord will be able to terminate your tenancy for this debt if:
- The landlord has tried, in good faith, to negotiate a repayment plan through Fair Trading.
- And it is fair and reasonable in the circumstances.
Landlords also have the option to apply for the COVID-19 land tax benefit instead of applying for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment.
Applications for the increased rebate will open shortly. Landlords who have already claimed the rebate can offer further rent reductions and apply.
Tenants and landlords are encouraged to enter into negotiations in good faith but if you are unable to resolve the issue privately, you can contact Fair Trading who will act as a mediator.
Earlier this year, the Tenants' Union's policy and advocacy coordinator Jemima Mowbray told the Leader that many renters were experiencing high levels of stress as COVID restrictions continued.
"We know that renters are more likely to have precarious or casual jobs and it has now been four or five weeks without a solid stream of income," she said.
"What we have seen though is a lot of people have increased their debt as they dug into savings during the lockdown last year.
"They may have paid rent but built up credit card debt or bill debt just to make it through last year so they don't have those same resources to draw on this time."
Ms Mowbray said renters could also reach out to their local Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service.
For more information on lodging a complaint, visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au.
For more information on the package or to apply, visit: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
