2021-08-19
To ensure the physical, financial and mental wellbeing of tenants, landlords and rental providers during this lockdown, the ACT Government is asking landlords and tenants to work closely together over the coming weeks.
“The current extended lockdown may present challenges for some in our community, particularly tenants who have been financially impacted by public health directions,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.
“The ACT Government will continue to monitor the impacts of this COVID outbreak on landlords and tenants, and consider whether further support is necessary.”
Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury also encourages tenants to help landlords by facilitating virtual inspections where necessary and to be patient if there are delays to repairs, particularly non‐urgent repairs.
“To accommodate the financial and public health implications for the community over this period, landlords are encouraged to consider negotiating temporary rent reduction or a rent arrears payment plan where tenants have been impacted financially by the lockdown.
“COVID-19 has had a financial impact on many Canberrans, and this has created some challenges for tenants making their rent payments. I encourage tenants to communicate with their landlord if they are experiencing financial difficulty and if they can’t make full rent payment.
“Tenants can negotiate rent repayment plan with landlord if in arrears or negotiate a temporary rent reduction.
The ACT Government produces the Renting Book which provides information to tenants about their rights and obligations under their tenancy agreement. It is available on the Justice and Community Safety website.
The ACT Government also funds the Tenants’ Advice Service provided by Legal Aid ACT. Tenants can call their advice line on 1300 402 512 or go to their website to access legal advice.