HOUSING
RENT
What’s changed?
On 29 March 2020, the National Cabinet (Commonwealth Government, State and Territory Governments) announced a set of principles for tenancies.
Page last updated on 9/3/2021
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Some States and Territories put in place measures to protect tenants from eviction who have
been affected financially by COVID-19 -
These measures have ended in Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT.
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They will end at the end of March 2021 in NSW, Vic and Western Australia.
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South Australia has extended the provisions until May 31 2021.
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NSW plans to introduce a 6-month transition period out of their temporary rental eviction moratorium, which expires 26 March 2021.
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The NT did not introduce any extra measures to protect tenants.
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Cost-sharing or deferral of losses between landlords and tenants, with Commonwealth, State or Territory governments, local government and financial institutions to consider mechanisms to provide assistance
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The National Cabinet principles have not translated to uniform approaches across Australia. For a summary of the changes and extensions click on Read More below.
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Tenants should be encouraged to seek advice from their local tenancy service.
HOME LOANS
What’s changed?
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has announced the assistance its member banks are providing for people with home loans. There have been two phases of assistance. The first-round, announced March 2020, allowed customers to defer repayments for up to six months. The second round, announced July 2020, encourages people to return to normal payments if possible, but provides for a further four months deferral on a case by case basis.
The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) has a list of assistance measures that all its member mutual banks are providing.
CBA has put together a guide for financial counsellors explaining support for customers affected by COVID-19. It includes their approach to home loan deferrals, options around credit cards and personal loans and debt waivers. FCA Tookit - CBA guide
ANZ has released a "Statement of Intent" about their commitments to supporting their customer affected by COVID-19. FCA Toolkit - ANZ Statement
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has a significant event hotline
Ph: 1800 337 444 for individuals financially affected by the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Page last updated on 11/09/2020
BODY CORPORATE
Page last updated on 01/06/2020
What’s changed?
There are no specific legislative changes in any State or Territory to protect unit/apartment owners who are having difficulty paying strata or body corporate fees as a result of COVID-19.
Unit owners will need to negotiate directly with the body corporate to make repayment arrangements.
The body corporate can meet virtually and make resolutions on budgets and levies/fees to assist owners in financial hardship. This could include deciding to reduce levies (if affordable) or being flexible in making repayment arrangements.
The bankruptcy threshold has now been raised to $20,000 for the next six months, which will provide some protection for owners from being forced into bankruptcy over unpaid strata/body corporate fees.
RATES
Page last updated on 01/06/2020
What’s changed?
The National Cabinet announced hardship provisions for rates on 9 April 2020.
Expectations) include:
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offering flexible payment options to all households in financial distress
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Deferring debt recovery proceedings and credit default listings
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Waiving late fees and interest charges on debt