19 April COVID-19 Update

Back to School!

There will be more support measures for students to learn from home, including:

  • An extra 5,254 laptops for families in need
  • 5,000 simcards
  • 4,000 dongles and hot spots
  • New and repurposed laptops, iPads and internet devices from the Resources Industry and
  • Two new hotlines for state school (1800 570 793) and early childhood families (1800 454 639) for information and support

 

NBN has come on board to help students and businesses.

The NBN has announced a comprehensive $150 million financial relief fund.

  • This will help broadband retailers provide an internet package for low-income families with home schooling needs
  • It will also be available for businesses facing financial hardship.
  • It is expected a reduced retail plan will be around $30 per month or less, depending on the retailer.

 

Changes to Rent Relief Package

There has been some changes to the State Governments proposed rent relief package

  • Revised guidelines for tenancy disputes will soon be published before legislating when Parliament sits next Wednesday.
  • The moratorium on evictions for COVID-19 issues still stands, as decided by National Cabinet.
  • Tenants would be protected from eviction for COVID-19 financial hardship until September 30.
  • virtual inspections provisions will be expanded, including making it available for landlords wanting to sell a property.

 

 

  • It is still all about negotiations – commercial tenants devastated by COVID-19 may want to negotiate a rent waiver or a rent deferral, residential tenants in the same position may want to negotiate a rent reduction.

 

  • I’m glad to see these negotiated changes, and I believe the REIQ and the Tenants Union are both on board.
  • We all know many of those mum and dad investors they are not rich, they are not wealthy, they have simply invested in a property for the family’s future.
  • Our guidelines protect that investment and ensure that there is a process for landlords and tenants to come together

 

Changes to the criteria to access COVID-19 Relief Process include:

  • Tenants must demonstrate they meet a threshold of COVID-19 hardship and proof must be provided.
  • They must show their income has reduced by 25% or more.
  • Or it may be their rent now comprises more than 30% of their income and they can’t afford other essentials.
  • Tenants can still refuse access for non-essential purposes, but they must in turn agree to a virtual inspection.
  • They will be unable to refuse access for repairs or matters that are essential or and emergency for health and safety, such as smoke alarm or sprinkler inspections.
  • If tenants and owners are unable to agree on their own, they will be required to enter into conciliation through the RTA.
  • Tenants experiencing DFV will be able to end the tenancy with 7 days’ notice and not be liable for any break lease costs.

 

  • I know there will be still a lot of questions, and I want people to calm down and not panic.
  • I will put up the revised guidelines as soon a receive them.

Related Posts