2022-02-12
Support measures have been extended until 13 May 2022 to continue to help struggling renters impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.
“As we continue to face the challenges of the COVID-19 public health emergency, we must continue to support the most vulnerable in our community,” Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said.
Until 13 May 2022, impacted tenants who fell behind on rent during the moratorium will continue to be protected from eviction, provided they pay rent as it falls due.
Those who are required to quarantine or self-isolate in response to a public health direction will also continue to be protected from being required to leave their rental property during their quarantine or self-isolation period.
The declaration also includes provisions enabling landlords and tenants to negotiate a temporary reduction in their rent or a deferral of their payments. However, if an impacted household needs to end a fixed term tenancy early, they can do so by providing 3 weeks’ notice and evidence that they have been impacted by the public health emergency.
The ACT Government’s Rental Relief Fund, which provides grants of up to $1000 to people experiencing rental stress or severe financial hardship, is also still operating, having provided more than 70 grants to struggling Canberrans since launching on 26 November 2021.
“Despite lockdown ending and our graduated return to normal life in the ACT, many renters still face pressures, including from financial pressures that built up during the lockdown period,” Attorney-General Rattenbury said.
“Renters who are having difficulties paying their rent can apply for a one-off grant of $1000 through Care Financial Counselling Service, who is administering the fund on behalf of the ACT Government.”
If you would like to apply for a grant from the Rent Relief Fund, go to the Justice and Community Safety directorate website for more information. Further information about the transitional measures in the Residential Tenancies (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Declaration 2021 can be found here.