Save
How to request paying less rent
Despite a lack of information available surrounding the Prime Minister’s eviction moratorium, a process for struggling tenants to seek rent relief does already exist.
How to request paying less rent
Despite a lack of information available surrounding the Prime Minister’s eviction moratorium, a process for struggling tenants to seek rent relief does already exist.
On Sunday night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced there would be a six-month moratorium placed on tenant evictions, brought in by way of state and territory governments.
In the absence of a detailed response from state governments on how exactly they expect landlords and tenants to proceed, Gault & Co property advisory founder Ramon Mitchell has said many Australians are “overwhelmed and confused by what to do in relation to changing circumstances”.
But regardless of additional detail, he highlighted that “there is already a formal process to follow in seeking a change to rental terms”.
“On a positive note, there seems to be a genuine desire by both landlords and tenants to find solutions,” Mr Mitchell said.
“I’ve already had landlords contact me asking that their tenants be made aware that they’ll do whatever is necessary to keep them in place during this uncertain time.”
He has called the tenant/landlord relationship a “symbiotic” one, “so clarity on the process will benefit both parties”.
Requesting a rent review
Extraordinary circumstances do already allow for tenants to request rent changes, Mr Mitchell has flagged, which can readily be adopted in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
He said it’s important to work through the tick list so that it can be determined you are in genuine need of assistance.
“We’ve seen some tenants already request a freeze on their rent commitments despite the fact they are not experiencing hardship.”
“This simply puts undue pressure on the system and makes it more difficult for genuine cases to be attended to,” he commented.
First of all, Mr Mitchell said tenants must put forward their request in writing.
“Calling a property manager and verbally seeking changes to rent arrangements is pointless,” he offered.
In this request, there needs to be a number of key elements: “Apart from providing your personal details, make sure you set out clearly your current understanding of rent arrangements – amount, due dates and length of lease.”
“Then, provide detail on what changes you would like to implement – whether that be reduced rent and/or a change in lease duration or payment timings,” he said.
Tenants must also provide details of their employment changes to demonstrate hardship, the property advisor said.
“Have you been terminated or had hours reduced? What industry are you working in? Are you likely to get employment back once the crisis has passed?”
He also recommended providing information about what government assistance you qualify for and whether you’ve already applied for this.
And finally, Mr Mitchell said tenants should provide details on household finances and how they are changing.
“Set it out simply. What income are you receiving from any source including employment and government assistance?”
“We need to know this in order to process any requests appropriately,” he stated.
Overall, Mr Mitchell considered that “if we can all just maintain a sense of humanity and fairness, it will bring benefits to everyone”.
About the author
About the author
Expenses
Price no longer the prime factor for energy bills
Many Australians are intrigued but unconvinced when it comes to greening their energy bill. ...Read more
Expenses
1 in 2 Aussie pet owners spends on their pets more than themselves
Does owning a pet eat into your monthly budget? You’re not alone. ...Read more
Expenses
The real reason Sydney’s petrol prices are so high
Sydney fuel prices may seem like they’re soaring, but a recent study indicates that they may be cheaper than you think. ...Read more
Expenses
Morrison backs big pharma, turns back to developing countries
Big pharma is currently fighting to maintain intellectual property protections over COVID-19 vaccines, with Australia refusing to act despite having no pharmaceutical companies. ...Read more
Expenses
Half-price flight scheme launches today
Aussies are being offered half-price flights as the government looks to spur domestic travel to regions it has defined as key to economic recovery. ...Read more
Expenses
Insurance prices rise despite payout falls
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen insurer payouts fall by $500 million, but Australian consumers are continuing to pay more, the consumer watchdog has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
CBA cops civil proceedings for overcharged interest
ASIC has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against the Commonwealth Bank over the bank charging an interest rate on business overdraft accounts that was substantially higher tha...Read more
Expenses
What are the top 10 most expensive cities in the world?
Logistical issues and currency fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the most expensive cities in the world drastically change, new research has revealed. ...Read more
Wrapping up an eventful 2021
Listen now
What Omicron means for property, and are units right for first-time buyers? What is equity crowdfunding? Are industry super funds tapping into member funds to save their skins?
Listen now
Will housing affordability improve in 2022? Will buy now, pay later become the norm? Why are Aussies staying in failing super products?
Listen now
Who really benefits from crypto ETFs? How will the RBA respond to rising inflation? Could a mandate help address unpaid super?
Listen now
Expenses
Price no longer the prime factor for energy bills
Many Australians are intrigued but unconvinced when it comes to greening their energy bill. ...Read more
Expenses
1 in 2 Aussie pet owners spends on their pets more than themselves
Does owning a pet eat into your monthly budget? You’re not alone. ...Read more
Expenses
The real reason Sydney’s petrol prices are so high
Sydney fuel prices may seem like they’re soaring, but a recent study indicates that they may be cheaper than you think. ...Read more
Expenses
Morrison backs big pharma, turns back to developing countries
Big pharma is currently fighting to maintain intellectual property protections over COVID-19 vaccines, with Australia refusing to act despite having no pharmaceutical companies. ...Read more
Expenses
Half-price flight scheme launches today
Aussies are being offered half-price flights as the government looks to spur domestic travel to regions it has defined as key to economic recovery. ...Read more
Expenses
Insurance prices rise despite payout falls
The COVID-19 pandemic has seen insurer payouts fall by $500 million, but Australian consumers are continuing to pay more, the consumer watchdog has revealed. ...Read more
Expenses
CBA cops civil proceedings for overcharged interest
ASIC has commenced civil penalty proceedings in the Federal Court against the Commonwealth Bank over the bank charging an interest rate on business overdraft accounts that was substantially higher tha...Read more
Expenses
What are the top 10 most expensive cities in the world?
Logistical issues and currency fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has seen the most expensive cities in the world drastically change, new research has revealed. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
