ACT throws another lifeline to COVID-hit landlords and tenants

The ACT government will continue to support tenants and landlords, announcing an extension of property-related relief for Canberrans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the extension of support, which was due to end this month, was targeted at industries that needed it most, as the government collated information about the impacts of the pandemic.

Residential tenancy relief, which provides land tax and rates rebates to residential landlords who have reduced rent by at least 25% for tenants impacted by the pandemic, will be extended until 30 June 30 2021.

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Residential tenancy relief will be extended until 30 June 30 2021.

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“Residential landlords have played an important role in ensuring Canberrans significantly affected by COVID-19 continued to have a home,” Mr Barr said.

“Almost 950 applications have already been received saving hundreds of thousands of dollars of rent for Canberrans who have been impacted by COVID-19.

“Extending residential tenancy relief will help Canberrans as Commonwealth JobKeeper and JobSeeker supports are reduced.”

In April, the ACT Government announced $214 million towards a COVID-19 economic recovery, including support for renters suffering rental stress due to lost income.

Almost 950 applications have already been received.

The government also encouraged landlords to reduce rents by at least 25% for tenants under rental stress by sharing the cost reduction of the rental on a 50/50 basis, capped at $1,300 per quarter (about $100 a week).

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In addition, as part of the latest announcement, commercial tenancies relief will be extended until 31 January.

“The measure supports businesses significantly affected by COVID-19 by providing rates rebates to landlords who reduce rents for affected business tenants as well as affected owner-operators,” Mr Barr said.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the extension of support, which was due to end this month, was targeted at industries that needed it most.

“Over 500 applications have been received as part of the measure, and applications will be accepted up to two months (31 March 2021) after the measure officially ceases.

“This measure has saved businesses over $18 million in rent to date, and has been a highly effective example of government sharing the costs of the pandemic with landlords to help businesses through one of their toughest trading years.”

Other measures to be extended include a tapering of rental relief on ACT government properties until the end of June next year.