The Victorian Government has announced an extension on both the moratorium of evictions and suspension of rental increases.
The ban on evictions and rental increases will occur for both residential and commercial tenancies until 31 December.
In addition, measures will be introduced requiring commercial landlords to provide rent relief in proportion with the fall in turnover being experienced by eligible tenants as previously recommended by the guidelines issued by the Small Business Commissioner.
And eligible small commercial landlords can now apply for $3000 per tenancy via a Hardship Scheme.
Meanwhile, the land tax discount has increased from 25 per cent to 50 per cent with eligible small businesses that own their own premises now able to benefit from the land tax relief scheme.
As for residential tenants, new recipients of the Rental Relief Grant Program will be able to apply for $3000 to cover rental payments, while existing recipients can apply for an extra $1000.
We believe the best results are happening for tenants and landlords who are in regular and constant communication. If either party is relying on the legislation it is going to be a stressful process. In many cases rent relief will need to go beyond the deadline, irrespective of the legislation, for many commercial tenancy arrangements to remain viable.
For information on how to apply for rental relief via the Hardship Scheme or Rental Relief Program, please contact William Buck.
