NSW rent relief extended for another month

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The NSW government has made a commitment to extend the residential tenancy support package to cover two months starting from 14 July, 2021.

Thanks to the extension, landlords can now apply for up to $3,000 if they have received reduced rent by at least that much under NSW COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. 

Existing applicants can make an additional claim to the scheme, and those who are yet to apply can make a single application for the total amount of rent waived (up to $1,500 per month).

In a statement issued on Monday, Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the state government was supporting residential tenants and landlords by extending the program.

“Keeping people safe doesn’t just mean reducing the health threats of the virus,” Anderson said. 

“It is vital we help keep a roof over the heads of those who may be suffering financial hardship at this difficult time.”

Tenants in NSW who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak are protected from eviction, subject to conditions, during a moratorium period (from 14 July – 11 September 2021).

“It’s hard enough having to lockdown in your home while we stop the spread of the virus, but this NSW Government support means you can do that without fear of being evicted,” Anderson said. 

The minister noted that with the government supporting landlords, it should be easier for them to negotiate a reduction in rent for tenants in need.

Instead of claiming money through the residential tenancy support scheme, landlords also have the option of applying for a COVID-19 land tax benefit (which is an offset of the tax liability equal to the approved rent reduction).

“We have always encouraged landlords and tenants to work together to negotiate on rental agreements and the NSW government has now made that conversation easier by supporting landlords so they can reduce rent for their tenants,” Anderson said.

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