As a renter, ensuring that you maintain a healthy rent ledger is vital for the longevity of your tenancy and your rental history for future tenancies. But if you have been struggling with the cost of renting, it’s essential to know where to seek assistance – especially when being late even 1 or 2 weeks can put your tenancy at risk of failing.
Communicating issues to your property manager is foremost and sharing that you are experiencing financial hardship is no different. Whilst it can be difficult to tell someone this information, as you have entered into a general tenancy agreement (a legal document), it is vital that you make the property manager and/or lessor/rental provider aware of your financial circumstances as soon as possible.
Knowing where to seek assistance as a renter is also crucial in creating a plan to get back on track and navigate through these circumstances. And if you reach out for help early, you will have more options.
Did you know?
Every state and territory government in Australia offers assistance for eligible tenants to maintain their rent, including when experiencing temporary financial difficulties. Commonly known as a ‘rental subsidy’, these subsidies can help pay a tenant’s rent when experiencing financial difficulties.
Below is a quick guide to each state and territory government’s website resources outlining the type of assistance available in your location and the eligibility criteria.
Australian Capital Territory
https://www.act.gov.au/housing-planning-and-property/renting/rent-relief/
Queensland
https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/help-with-your-current-rental-home/security-subsidy/
New South Wales
https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/homes-nsw/social-housing-resources/private-rental-subsidy/
Northern Territory
https://dhlgcd.nt.gov.au/housing-projects-and-programs/housing-initiatives-and-strategies/affordable-housing-schemes/
South Australia
https://www.housing.sa.gov.au/housing-supports/private-rental-assistance/
Tasmania
https://www.homestasmania.com.au/housing-and-homelessness/housing-connect/
Victoria
https://www.housing.vic.gov.au/help-renting/
Western Australia
https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/grants-and-subsidies/wa-rent-relief-program/
Financial Counsellors (Nationwide)
Seeking the advice of a financial counsellor, a skilled professional who can provide you with practical advice, is also another path to explore when experiencing financial hardship.
A Financial Counsellor will give you free and non-judgemental advice and support to help you get any debt you may have under control.
You can access a Financial Counsellor through the National Debt Helpline and access other videos and resources about financial issues here: https://ndh.org.au/debt-problems/
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