A word from our CEO
Our homes are our safe havens amid restrictions imposed by pandemic public health orders. Many renters, who are overrepresented in vulnerable economic sectors, have lost jobs or hours.
So, on behalf of our state’s two million renters, Tenants Victoria was pleased to see the State Government confirm an extension of COVID-19 rental protections until the end of the year. Victoria has a good framework for tenants and landlords to come to fair and reasonable agreements for rent reductions. However, it’s also clear more people facing hardship need to take advantage of the process to seek reductions through mediation, if the landlord does not come swiftly to negotiation.
Our advice for tenants is if you don’t hear back a week after making an approach to your landlord or real estate agent, take it up a notch and contact Consumer Affairs Victoria to pursue your rent reduction. It’s your right to do so – and ensure your home is, indeed, your haven at this challenging time.
– Jennifer Beveridge
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