LANDLORD PROCESS GUIDE
Rent Relief
LANDLORD PROCESS GUIDE
Rent Relief What should I do if my tenant has stopped paying rent or indicated they can’t pay the whole amount after 29 March 2020?
STEP 1 • Visit the Consumers Affairs Victoria website for information on your rights and obligations. • Work out what rent reduction is possible in your • Take account of other supports you might have access to – eg. mortgage relief from your bank (see step 10) • Check the details of your insurance policy • Note that other state government schemes may be available if you agree to a reduced rent amount (see step 9)
STEP 2 • Contact your tenant (directly or via the property manager) to find our more about your tenants circumstances.
STEP 3 • Try to reach agreement about a reduced rent amount for a period of time, and a payment plan for any outstanding rent
STEP 4 • Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) with the result of the agreement or to ask for help if you are having trouble
STEP 5 What happens when I contact CAV? • CAV will record the agreement you have already reached, or try to help you reach agreement • If you still can’t agree, you will be referred to Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) for a free mediation service • If you still can’t agree, you will be referred to Dispute Settlement Centre
STEP 6 What happens at DSCV? •
An accredited mediator will work with you to find a mutual agreement.
STEP 7 • A record of agreement or binding order will be made at the end of the process
STEP 8 • Disputed outcomes are subject to final arbitration at VCAT or the Courts only after the mediation pro-cess is fully exhausted
ADDITIONAL STEPS FOR LANDLORDS Step 9: Am I entitled to a land tax reduction? • Yes, landlords that have provided rental relief to a land tax discount of 25 per cent (equivalent to three months) and ability to defer remainder of their land tax liability until 31 March 2021.
Step 10: Should I contact my bank if I have a mortgage? • Yes, landlords that have provided rental relief to tenants should approach their lender about mortgage payment deferral. Landlords can cite their documented agreement on rent reduction with the tenant, noting that the outcome of this action will be institution.
Dispute resolution considerations • • • • •
All parties to find a mutually acceptable, tailored outcome Parties negotiate in good faith Shared burden between landlord & tenant Time-limited rent reduction to sustain the tenancy Agreement tailored to personal circumstances of each landlord and tenant
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