The Victorian Greens have released damning figures that show the state government’s rental relief scheme is failing newly unemployed renters.
The Greens’ recently undertook a survey of nearly 700 Victorian renters, which found that for renters who had become unemployed during the pandemic:
- Over half (57%) were unable to reach an agreement with their landlord
- A massive 80% who needed rental support did not apply for rental support because they found it too difficult
- Only 9% of renters who had become unemployed and needed for rent relief were able to get a grant
In response to the alarming failures of the current scheme, the Greens are calling for longer and stronger protections for renters including:
1. Extending the current eviction moratorium beyond the December 31st 2020 cut-off date
2. Stronger legislation to prevent landlords unreasonably delaying or refusing to negotiate a rent reduction
3. Increasing rent relief grants and making them easier to access
As stated by Victorian Greens acting spokesperson for housing, Sam Hibbins MP:
“These results show that for renters who have become unemployed the government’s scheme is a failure.
“With so many young people now living on the edge with precarious financial and housing stability, the state government needs to provide longer and stronger protections for renters.”
