THE Victorian government has quickly backflipped on its policy to ban real estate agents from conducting private inspections of occupied properties whilst NSW has unveiled a $440 million package including land tax relief, to assist distressed renters and landlords.
The backflip comes three days after the government surprised the industry by issuing orders prohibiting agents from conducting inspections of a tenanted residential property, without any exceptions.
Consumer Affairs said this was because it was not be possible for agents, owners or tenants to meet the requirements of maintain social distancing, to ensure homes are cleaned and disinfected before and after each inspection.
However, following the confusion caused by the sudden policy change over the Easter long weekend, the government has changed its mind.
Private inspections of an occupied/tenanted residential property are now permitted again, where an estate agent and one other person are present at the premises.
“An inspection where an estate agent, the prospective tenant/purchaser and a resident of the premises are all present is not permitted.
“In this case the resident of the premises will have to leave the premise,”
Meanwhile uncertainty remains for many Victorians as the government continues to delay announcing a package to protect vulnerable landlords and tenants, despite the prime minister supporting a moratorium on evictions weeks ago.
In contrast, the Queensland government has introduced a package last week and yesterday NSW announced a $440 million package for renters and landlords, with $220 million allocated to residential renters and landlords and the other half to businesses such as retailers, gyms and hairdressers.
For residential property, it will apply to tenants who have lost 25% or more of their income. However, any unpaid rent will accrue as arrears during this period.
Furthermore, the government will impose a 60 days moratorium on forced evictions. The scheme is not optional, it is mandatory for a landlord or managing agent to enter into negotiations with a distressed tenant.
“We know many people are worried about meeting their financial commitments at the moment,” Better Regulation Minister Kevin Anderson said. “That is why we need more stability for tenants and landlords.”
Anderson said the government will also support landlords by waiving land tax or providing a rebate of up to 25% if they do not evict distressed tenants.
For commercial landlords, the land tax concession is available if they pass on the savings to tenants through a rent reduction. The scheme applies to businesses with a turnover of less than $50 million which has recorded a 30% fall in revenue.
