- Cook Government to deliver $24.4 million to help
private tenants at risk of eviction
- Up to $5,000 in rent relief payments estimated
to benefit thousands of Western Australians
- Part of Cook Government's ongoing commitment to
tackling cost-of-living pressures
The Cook Labor Government
has bolstered its cost-of-living support with the 'WA Rent Relief Program' (Program)
to assist Western Australians at risk of eviction and experiencing rental stress.
The $24.4 million Program
will help financially vulnerable WA tenants remain in their private rental
homes.
Under the Program, community
service organisations like Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA will identify tenants in need through their existing
services and networks, and will assist those tenants in applying for relief.
Relief
may involve the payment of arrears, and for some of those, support will also be
provided to cover up to 50 per cent of future rent costs for up to three months
rent - capped at $5,000.
Tenants will be required to
demonstrate they meet the eligibility criteria, which includes experiencing
rental stress, being in rental arrears, and being at risk of eviction.
The community service
organisations involved will work with tenants and landlords to secure
continuation of their tenancy agreements as a condition of the program.
Where required, future
rent will be paid though a co-contribution model which requires the tenant to
demonstrate their commitment to the tenancy through contributing to the ongoing
rental costs. Rent relief will be paid direct to the landlord or via a property
manager.
The Program will open next
month, and will operate in conjunction with other State Government initiatives to
increase housing supply and support private tenants in WA.
It builds on the Cook
Government's reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, which
include limiting rent rises to once every 12 months, and prohibiting the
practice of rent bidding to strengthen protections for tenants. Changes are
expected to come into effect in 2024.
Further information,
including frequently asked questions and links to financial support services
can be found via the WA Rent
Relief Program web page.
Comments attributed to
Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is
absolutely focused on delivering cost of living relief and supporting Western
Australians who are doing it tough.
"Our strong financial
management means we have the capacity to invest in new programs that support
those who need it most.
"The WA Rent Relief
Program will help to keep a roof over the head of families that have hit hard
times, helping them to get back on their feet.
"My Government is doing
what's right for WA - delivering cost of living relief like our electricity
credit to every household, and taking action to boost housing supply to reduce
pressure on our housing market."
Comments attributed to Commerce Minister
Sue Ellery:
"This Government has a
proven record of delivering cost-of-living relief support to Western Australians
who need it.
"The $24.4 million WA
Rent Relief Program will provide one-off payments to support renters who may be
at risk of eviction, because they are in rental arrears and experiencing
financial hardship.
"We're acutely aware of
the current pressures in the WA rental market - which is why we're working with
key community service organisations to support vulnerable Western Australians
sustain their tenancies and to help keep them in their homes.
"In partnering with
community service organisations, tenants in need will be supported during their
negotiations with landlords, and provided additional social supports while they
work through their individual circumstances."
Comments attributed to Housing Minister
John Carey:
"Our Government is deeply
cognisant of the current housing market across the country, and how it is
impacting many Western Australian families, especially low income earners.
"The impacts of the
COVID-19 pandemic have radically reshaped housing markets across Australia - including
tightening rental markets.
"We're using every lever
we can to not only bolster the supply of housing, but also to support and keep
people in their tenancies - given the current demand for housing.
"We also continue to
deliver significant investment in housing and associated support, particularly
for those who are most vulnerable, with a record $2.6 billion in State
Government funding committed to housing and homelessness measures over four
years.
"Since our record
investment in social housing and homelessness measures, we've added more than 1,600
social homes, with more than 1,000 under contract or construction.
"The Government has also
funded a range of new initiatives to boost the State's construction workforce
and accelerate construction of new homes."
