The ACT Government will give grants worth up to four weeks’ rent to eligible households experiencing financial hardship.

The Rent Relief Fund provides grants, capped at $2,500, to help renters on low incomes who are in rental stress or severe financial hardship to sustain their tenancies and prevent evictions.

Grants are paid directly to an applicant’s landlord or grantor. Canberrans in private sector occupancy agreements and tenancy agreements are eligible to apply.

The government has emailed all tenants and landlords with a registered bond in the ACT to inform them about the Rent Relief Fund and other supports for tenants.

“I encourage all renters and landlords [to] check their emails for more information on these important reforms,” said Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury.

One of the key aims of the reforms is to support renters who are in severe financial hardship to assist them to be able to stay in their homes.

“Financial stress and evictions have a profound impact on renters – particularly in the context of the current cost of living pressures.”

The fund is available as part of a package of initiatives to support renters on low incomes who are struggling with the cost of living.

Other initiatives to support renters are:

• The Renting Book – a comprehensive guide to ACT rental laws to help tenants and landlords understand their rights and obligations.
• Banning ‘no cause’ evictions – the ACT Government’s rental reform, introduced in April 2023, prohibits all forms of ‘no cause’ tenancy terminations, so that a tenant cannot be evicted without a lawful legitimate reason.
• The Tenants Advice Service – tenants or occupants who need legal advice can also contact ACT Legal Aid’s Tenancy Advice Service on 1300 402 512 or visit their website. This is a free and confidential legal service, funded by the ACT Government.

“These initiatives provide financial support and easily accessible rental rights advice to give greater security of tenure to renters,” Mr Rattenbury said.