2020-08-20
The Victorian Greens have welcomed news that the state government will extend its ban on evictions and rent increases.
Renters have been among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic and this announcement follows months of campaigning by the Greens and communities to ensure their protection.
However, the Greens have said that given the severe impact of the pandemic, the government needs to make sure renters are protected well beyond the end of this year.
A recent survey of nearly 700 renters undertaken by the Victorian Greens found that more than half of renters (57%) who had their hours reduced or had become unemployed during the pandemic hadn’t been able to successfully obtain a rent reduction.
And half of renters (50%) who had become unemployed during the pandemic hadn’t applied for a rent relief grant as they’d found the process to difficult.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens acting spokesperson for housing, Sam Hibbins MP:
“This extension will provide a welcome relief for the countless renters that are out-of-work and worried about facing eviction or a hike in their monthly rent.
“But the end of year timeline will still mean an uncertain Christmas and a nervous New Years for renters who are on the edge.
“Many just haven't got the help they need with the existing scheme and the impact of COVID-19 will still be around in 2021, so too will these precarious housing situations for many renters.
“Protections need to be longer and stronger to give Victorian renters peace of mind and assure them they’ll continue to have access to a safe and secure home in 2021.”