Rental scheme failing newly unemployed Victorians

The Victorian Greens have released damning figures that show the state government’s rental relief scheme is failing newly unemployed renters.

The Greens’ recently undertook a survey of nearly 700 Victorian renters, which found that for renters who had become unemployed during the pandemic:

• Over half (57%) were unable to reach an agreement with their landlord
• A massive 80% who needed rental support did not apply for rental support because they found it too difficult
• Only 9% of renters who had become unemployed and needed for rent relief were able to get a grant

In response to the alarming failures of the current scheme, the Greens are calling for longer and stronger protections for renters including:

1. Extending the current eviction moratorium beyond the December 31st 2020 cut-off date

2. Stronger legislation to prevent landlords unreasonably delaying or refusing to negotiate a rent reduction

3. Increasing rent relief grants and making them easier to access

Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens acting spokesperson for housing, Sam Hibbins MP:

“These results show that for renters who have become unemployed the government’s scheme is a failure.

“With so many young people now living on the edge with precarious financial and housing stability, the state government needs to provide longer and stronger protections for renters.”