The Cook Labor Government has bolstered its cost-of-living support with the ‘WA Rent Relief Program’ (Program) to assist Western Australians at risk of eviction and experiencing rental stress.
The $24.4 million Program will help financially vulnerable WA tenants remain in their private rental homes.
Under the Program, community service organisations like St Vincent De Paul Society WA will identify tenants in need through their existing services and networks and will assist those tenants in applying for relief.
Relief may involve the payment of arrears, and for some of those, support will also be provided to cover up to 50 per cent of future rent costs for up to three months rent – capped at $5,000.
Premier Roger Cook said the WA Rent Relief Program will help to keep a roof over the head of families that have hit hard times, helping them to get back on their feet.
“My Government is doing what’s right for WA – delivering cost of living relief like our electricity credit to every household and taking action to boost housing supply to reduce pressure on our housing market,” Mr Cook said.
Tenants will be required to demonstrate they meet the eligibility criteria, which includes experiencing rental stress, being in rental arrears, and being at risk of eviction.
The community service organisations involved will work with tenants and landlords to secure continuation of their tenancy agreements as a condition of the program.
Where required, future rent will be paid though a co-contribution model which requires the tenant to demonstrate their commitment to the tenancy through contributing to the ongoing rental costs. Rent relief will be paid direct to the landlord or via a property manager.
The Program will open next month and will operate in conjunction with other State Government initiatives to increase housing supply and support private tenants in WA.
Further information, including frequently asked questions and links to financial support services can be found via the WA Rent Relief Program web page.