- 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.
As stated by 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.”
As stated by 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.”
As stated by 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.”
