Residential Rental Grant Scheme

South Australian residential tenants who are suffering significant financial hardship as a result of Covid-19 restrictions may now be eligible for rent relief through a $1000 grant to their landlords.

This scheme builds on previously announced protections for residential landlords and tenants, which ensure that:

• landlords cannot increase tenants’ rent;
• tenants cannot be evicted for non-payment of rent if they are suffering financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
• landlords remain protected if unaffected tenants breach their lease.

What are the eligibility criteria for the grant?
The grant may be paid where:

• A residential tenant can demonstrate they have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic;
• Has less than $5,000 in savings and is paying more than 30% of their current income in rent (a tenant is defined as being in rental hardship if this criterion is met); and
• The landlord provides rent relief to the tenant(s) within the period from 30 March 2020 to 30 September 2020 (inclusive).

What is the definition of ‘significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic’?
A tenant will be considered to be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic where they can demonstrate that post 30 March 2020 one of the following occurred:

• Loss of employment;
• Reduction in hours of 20% or more;
• Reduction in wages of 20% or more; or
• Operated as a sole trader business which was either suspended or experienced a reduction in turnover of 20% or more.

Who can apply?

• Tenants who meet the eligibility criteria and can demonstrate that they have received or will receive rent relief within the period from 30 March 2020 to 30 September 2020 can apply.
• Landlords may also now apply together with their tenants, subject to their tenant’s eligibility and consent to submit personal information and supporting evidence to demonstrate that they meet the eligibility criteria. Tenants must also consent to the Government verifying this evidence.
  Applications for the rent relief grants will close on 30 September 2020.

If you would like to know more about your rights and options, Straits Lawyers are here to help. We are now offering online services in both English and Chinese.

Please note that this article does not constitute legal advice and Straits Lawyers will not be legally responsible for any actions you take based on this article.