5 July 2021
The WA Government has extended the Residential Rent Relief Grant Scheme (RRRGS) until 31 December 2021 to assist renters who are struggling to pay their rent due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This extension will assist renters with a residential tenancy agreement in place on 28 June 2021 and provides an incentive for landlords to maintain existing tenancies.
How much can be granted?
Rent support grants of up to $2,000 per tenancy can be accessed by tenants who are facing significant rent increases and need help to meet these payments. Landlords must agree to a lease of at least six months.
Rent arrears assistance grants are available to help pay a tenant’s current outstanding rent debt incurred before 1 December 2020. Grants for 75 per cent of the rent arrears, up to a maximum of $4,000 will be paid directly to eligible landlords. In return, the landlord and tenant must enter into a further minimum six month lease agreement.
Eligibility Criteria
Tenants can check their eligibility to apply for the grants by completing a short, two minute survey through the Residential Rent Relief Grant Scheme eligibility tool.
Full eligibility criteria and application information is available on our Residential Rent Relief Grant Scheme page.
While some applicants may be eligible for both rent arrears assistance and rent support, it is not possible to receive both grants. If an applicant does meet the eligibility criteria for both grants, then the processing officer will calculate which grant is of the greatest benefit, and this will be paid to the landlord on the applicant's behalf.
Previous applicants can also apply again, subject to eligibility, therefore we urge you to encourage tenants that may be experiencing financial difficulty to apply.
Mandatory Conciliation Service for tenants and landlords ends
Consumer Protection’s Mandatory Conciliation Service for tenants and landlords was introduced by the WA Government to help landlords and tenants with rental disputes arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The service ceased accepting applications on 29 June 2021. Applications received prior to 29 June 2021 will be processed.
The extended COVID-19 emergency period has ended, which means the ordinary tenancy laws under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) apply again.
Landlords, tenants and property managers are encouraged to act and negotiate in good faith to agree on reasonable and workable tenancy arrangements, helping to create a safe and secure renting future for everyone.
As per obligations set out in the Real Estate and Business Agents and Sales Representatives Code of Conduct 2016 (WA), agents and sales representatives are expected to act in the best interests of their clients. Encouraging landlords and tenants who are in dispute over a rental issue to come to an agreeable resolution may alleviate the need to proceed to the Magistrates Court and incurring further expense for both parties.
More information can be found on our website to help with resolving rental property issues. Contact us if you are having difficulty reaching agreement or require assistance with a rental issue by phoning our Contact Centre on 1300 304 054.
This bulletin contains general information obtained from internal and external sources to the Western Australian Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. While we use our best endeavours to ensure the information is correct and current at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after that time may impact upon the accuracy of the material. The department takes no responsibility for any error, omission or defect therein. It is your responsibility to ensure the information is still correct when applying it to your situation in the future, including seeking independent professional advice.