Renters & Housing Union

20.08 ‘Strike the right balance’ – Moratorium Extension Announcement

Extending relief for 3 months for landlords to ‘do the right thing’, yet ‘striking the right balance’ further skews the power to landlords 

RAHU is relieved that the Victorian Government has finally extended the eviction moratorium, yet we are disappointed to see yet another short-term solution.

Renters’ anxiety is temporarily alleviated from the previous September 29th end date, but come December 31st we will be in exactly the same situation. These measures only defer the crisis. An extra three months is not enough.

Treasurer Tim Pallas has made generous funds available to landlords “who do the right thing”, and landlords will be swimming in relief options after this morning’s press conference announcements, from land tax relief and grants of up to $3000 in addition to ongoing mortgage relief.

Renters don’t have these options, which means we can’t “pull together” with landlords and real estate agents, and we remain most vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19.

Quotes and attributions

We are relieved to have a home for an extra 3 months, yet there is more work to be done. This short term measure may see renters on the streets on New Years Day. We need longer term solutions for our security of housing – Eirene Tsolidis Noyce – Secretary, RAHU

How are we meant to strike a balance when the balance of power is so heavily skewed to landowners? – Paddy Gordon, Media Officer RAHU

The truth is landlords have demonstrably not done the right thing, yet they will continue to be rewarded. The hardship faced by renters is where the relief is desperately needed. – Eirene Tsolidis Noyce – Secretary, RAHU

Renters are the ones in need of legal and financial protection. We can’t expect landlords to prioritise the health of the nation over their personal profit margin. – Zachary Doney, RAHU Delegate

Media contact: Paddy: 0407 712 579 or email [email protected]

The Renters And Housing Union (VIC) is a newly formed, member-run Union of renters and people in precarious housing. We organise collectively to fight for the right to safe and secure housing through self-advocacy, education, and frontline eviction defence.

Find out more and join RAHU at https://rahu.org.au/

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