The Tasmanian Government is committed to supporting both tenants and landlords as the State rebuilds from COVID-19.
After recently announcing a new support fund for landlords, I am pleased to advise that as of 21 September 2020, 99 applications have been received from landlords for assistance across the State.
Of these 99 applications, 46 landlords have been paid more than $77,000 with 53 applications currently under immediate assessment.
Our Government recognises the impacts of COVID-19 have been felt by many residential landlords and the purpose of the Landlord Support Fund is to provide support to those landlords experiencing financial hardship.
The Tasmanian Government has always been clear that the extension in emergency relief for residential tenants is not a rent holiday and if landlords are having difficulties, the Residential Tenancy Commissioner is available to assist them.
We are also planning to provide tenants and landlords with assistance beyond the current extension date, and today I tabled a Bill in Parliament that will provide for residential landlords and tenants to formally enter into a payment plan to deal with a tenant’s rent arrears.
This Bill will help provide a pathway forward for tenants and landlords when the COVID-19 emergency period concludes, and will include provisions for a payment plan for those in hardship as a result of COVID-19, so that they can pay any rent arrears without the threat of immediate eviction.
There is currently no mechanism to enforce a payment plan under the Act. A tenant and landlord may implement a plan between them, but legislation is required to allow for rent arrears to be addressed through a payment plan which will be overseen by the Residential Tenancy Commissioner.
We are also providing significant support to residential tenants, and I am also pleased to report that as of Monday, 21 September 2020 the Tasmanian Government has received 868 applications for 1293 individuals for the Rent Relief Fund. Of these applications, 837 individuals have progressed for final assessment and have been paid over $716,600. A further 28 individuals were approved to be paid on 23 September 2020.
Our Government recognises the challenges faced by Tasmanian landlords and tenants during this time, and we will continue to monitor the situation and provide support where necessary.
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