Ban on rental evictions in Victoria to continue

The State Government has announced a range of new and updated measures to protect tenants and landlords experiencing financial distress because of coronavirus. Changes include prolonging the ban on evictions and rental increases, and introducing hardship payments for eligible landlords.  

What has changed for tenants and landlords? 

• The existing ban on evictions and rental increases, which was due to expire on 29 September, has been extended until the end of the year; 
• The Rental Relief Grant program now offers applicants up to $3000 in rental payments (past recipients can apply for an extra $1000); 
• A new $60 million hardship scheme will help eligible small commercial landlords with grants up to $3000 per tenancy; 
• The land tax discount already in place for residential and commercial landlords has been doubled to 50 percent; 
• Commercial landlords must now provide rent relief in proportion with a tenant’s fall in turnover; 
• The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) has more powers to make an order on rent relief where landlords don’t respond to requests; and 
• A $600,000 package has been announced to assist advocacy groups in their work supporting vulnerable tenants.  

Get all the details 

For more information about these measures, including how to apply if you need to and if you’re eligible, visit the following pages: 

• ‘Renting rules and support during the moratorium’ at Consumer Affairs Victoria for information about residential tenancies; 
• ‘Commercial (including retail) tenants and landlords’ on the Victorian Small Business Commission website; and 
• ‘Pause on Evictions Extended and Extra Renter Protections’, the Victorian Government’s press release outlining the changes and support.