Yahoo Finance Rental eviction moratorium extended in Victoria
Landlords in Victoria will be unable to evict tenants until 28 March 2021 under an extension to the state’s eviction moratorium.
The previous moratorium was set to expire at the end of the year, with Victorian housing minister Richard Wynne saying the decision to extend the moratorium on rent increases and evictions reflects the need for peace of mind.
Eligible renters will also be able to apply for relief of up to $3,000 – an increase from $2,000, while the asset threshold test for support has doubled to $10,000 in assets.
“In practical terms that ensures that families do have a capacity to amass some funds albeit relatively modest [to] the figure of $10,000 without seeing their access to that rent relief being in any way compromised,” Victorian treasurer Tim Pallas said.
Additionally, landlords who provide rent relief to tenants impacted by Covid-19 will be eligible for 2021 and 2020 land tax relief.
“There is a clear indication of proportionality that appropriate relief has been given to tenants and that landlords should expect similar relief from the state in regard to their land tax obligations,” said Pallas.
Premier Daniel Andrews in August extended the moratorium until the end of the year, with Pallas on Friday noting there is an “ongoing need” for support.
“We've seen more people facing housing and financial distress with renters particularly hard hit due to the coronavirus and the convergence of factors including their age and their employment conditions.
“So as they're feeling greater uncertainty in terms of their material circumstances, the one thing they shouldn't have to feel is that their home is at risk, their place of sanctuary, their place of security in the current environment,” Pallas said.
Pallas said Consumer Affair Victoria will also increase its assistance in helping landlords and tenants arrive at rental agreements with the current scheme extended until 28 March 2021.
“[That means] both parties can work together in good faith to reach an agreement that both parties are happy with and in the event that they need assistance, they can be assured that that assistance will be there to help them to come to a meeting of minds about what constitutes fair and recast arrangements in the current environment.”
The extension comes as Victoria grapples with 19,450 active Covid-19 cases, and a major economic shutdown. Andrews is due to present the state’s path out of lockdown on Sunday.
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