- Cook Labor Government putting WA first, providing $20.9 million in rent relief to WA tenants facing hardship
- Rockingham area has the highest number of households receiving rent relief
- More disputes over bonds resolved due to government changes
- Cook Labor Government helping vulnerable Western Australians manage cost-of-living pressures and maintain secure housing
The Cook Labor Government’s Rent Relief Program has reached an important milestone, providing $20.9 million in rent relief to vulnerable Western Australians.
The program, delivered in partnership with Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA, provides payments of up to $5,000 to assist households’ clear rental arrears, meet future housing costs and build long-term stability. Financial counselling is also made available.
Launched in November 2023, the Rent Relief Program has assisted 4,736 households with an average payment of approximately $4,418 per household.
Seventy-five per cent of recipients were from the Perth metropolitan area, with 25 per cent in regional WA. The Rockingham local government area had the highest number of households receiving rent relief, followed by Wanneroo, Mandurah, Armadale and Stirling areas.
Importantly, 90 per cent of households remain in the same tenancy six months after receiving support, helping families avoid eviction, maintaining stability, and staying connected to their communities.
These strong outcomes support the Cook Labor Government’s decision to extend the WA Rent Relief Program through to 30 June 2027, ensuring more Western Australians can access support when they need it most.
With rent relief providing immediate assistance during financial hardship, the Cook Labor Government continues to progress further tenancy reforms to strengthen protections and improve housing security, recognising that renting is a long-term option for many Western Australians.
The next round of proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 includes the removal of no-grounds terminations, which will be replaced with clear and reasonable grounds for terminating a tenancy, and the introduction of clear minimum standards for rental properties.
Existing reforms are already delivering improvements in how residential tenancy bond disputes are resolved. Since a new process commenced on 28 March 2026, 3,300 disputes have been received, helping return over $2.23 million in bond funds to tenants and landlords.
This new approach, where the Commissioner of Consumer Protection Trish Blake makes the determination, is reducing the need for matters to go to court and giving tenants and landlords a fair, accessible and transparent way to resolve disagreements. Learn more on the Consumer Protection website: https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/bond-disputes-residential-tenancies
To qualify for the WA Rent Relief Program, private tenants must be behind in their rent and at risk of eviction, be experiencing rental stress where more than 30 per cent of gross household income goes towards rent and have less than $3,000 in the bank.
Further information is available on the Rent Relief Program website.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
“Every Western Australian deserves the security of a safe and stable home, and our Rent Relief Program is delivering that for thousands of families who were at real risk of eviction.
“More than $20 million in support has already helped people stay connected to their communities, keep a roof over their heads and avoid the stress and disruption of losing their home.
“These results show why we’re extending the Rent Relief Program – because it works, and it’s making a genuine difference for people doing it tough.
“We’re backing this immediate support with stronger rental protections and long-term reforms, so Western Australians who rent can have greater certainty and a fairer, more secure housing system.”
As stated by Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
“Reaching almost $21 million in rental relief is a significant milestone, representing thousands of households who have avoided the hardship and disruption of eviction.
“This, along with proposed tenancy law changes to remove no-grounds terminations shows the Government’s commitment to helping Western Australians stay in their homes.
“Since the Commissioner Determinations process began, we’re seeing fair outcomes for tenants and landlords, with disputes resolved without the need to go to court.”
As stated by Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
“We are working to ensure that more Western Australians have the safety and stability a home provides.
“This targeted rent relief initiative is one part of our government’s record $10.8 billion investment in housing measures, which has delivered more than 4,300 social homes since 2021.”
As stated by Anglicare WA Chief Operating Officer Philippa Boldy:
“We hear the personal stories and testimonials saying the WA Rent Relief Program has absolutely changed people’s lives. It gives people some free air, so they can focus on developing financial stability without that continual burden of the threat of losing their home.
“The Program shows that when the community sector and the government come together, great things can be done. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the Cook Government, Vinnies WA and the wider sector to help keep people where they are.”
As stated by Vinnies WA Director of Community Engagement Services Andrew York:
“Vinnies WA thanks the WA Government for its ongoing investment in the Rent Relief Program. Every day, we see the immense relief this program brings to people facing financial hardship. By helping people stay in their homes, we’re not only preventing homelessness but also giving individuals and families the stability and breathing room they need to rebuild their lives.”
