Victoria’s existing moratorium on residential evictions has been extended until March 28, 2021. Treasurer Tim Pallas announced the news at a press conference earlier today, emphasising the previous extension (until December 31) is now considered insufficient.

The government’s $80 million rent relief scheme, which provides eligible tenants with up to $3000 to pay their landlord, has also been extended to the same date, and one criterion changed to allow more people to take advantage of the scheme. In the past, only tenants with less than $5000 in savings (excluding superannuation) qualified for the scheme. That cap has been adjusted to $10,000. The treasurer said 9,600 grants worth $23 million have already been approved.

Residential landlords, meanwhile, will be compensated for any rent reductions they offer tenants (after registering the reduction with the state). A commensurate amount of money will be deducted from landlords’ land taxes in 2021.

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The government’s residential dispute resolution scheme has also been extended to March 28 next year. Tenants and landlords who find themselves at odds can apply for a resolution via Consumer Affairs Victoria. Pallas says about 93,000 cases have already been referred to the body, with 94 per cent resolved “through the front door”.