The Rent Relief Fund (the Fund) is an ACT Government initiative to assist renters to sustain their tenancies and prevent evictions. The Fund provides financial assistance to eligible households in the ACT's private rental sector who are experiencing either rental stress or severe financial hardship – alleviating some of the hardship they may currently be experiencing.
In September 2023, the Government announced an additional $1.81 million for the Fund to continue helping Canberrans facing housing affordability and cost of living pressures in the ACT.
Applications to the Fund are now open
The Fund provides grants for up to four weeks’ rent capped at $2,500.
An individual or household will be experiencing rental stress where the household:
(a) pays more than 30% of household income in rent; and
(b) has liquid assets of $5,000 or less (excluding superannuation).
An individual or household will be experiencing severe financial hardship where the household pays less than 30% of household income in rent but can otherwise demonstrate that:
(a) they are experiencing severe financial hardship; and
(b) they have less than $3,000 in liquid assets (excluding superannuation).
Additionally, to be eligible for a Grant, an applicant must have a gross household income within the following limits:
First adult | $54,643 |
First sole parent | $57,474 |
Each additional adult | $20,905 |
Each child | $18,127 |
Grants under the Fund will be paid directly to an applicant’s landlord or grantor.
People in private sector occupancy agreements (as well as tenancy agreements) are eligible to apply. Applicants need to have lived in their property for a minimum of 3 months (unless exceptional circumstances apply).
The Fund is being administered on behalf of the ACT Government by Care Inc.
Please see Care's website: https://www.carefcs.org/rent-relief-scheme for more details on how to apply or call Care on 0423 161 727.
Applicants approved under the Fund will also be offered support services where appropriate to help them manage their tenancies over the long term.
The Fund is one a range of measures being adopted by the ACT Government to improve housing access, affordability and choice in the ACT. Read the media release for more.
Where can I go for help?
If you are in rental stress or are in rental arrears and need assistance sustaining your tenancy, Care may be able to assist you with financial counselling support. To contact Care and speak with a financial counsellor you can call their helpline on 1800 007 007.
Advice for Private Tenants and Occupants
If you require legal advice, you can contact the Legal Aid Tenancy Advice Service on 1300 402 512 or find out more information on their website: https://www.legalaidact.org.au/tasact.
Advice about Social Housing or Eligibility for Centrelink payments
Contact Canberra Community Law on 02 6218 7977 or find out more information on their website: https://www.canberracommunitylaw.org.au/.