Support agencies and advocacy groups have welcomed the state government's extension to the ban on rental evictions and price increases amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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State Treasurer Tim Pallas said the current ban on evictions and rental increases, due to expire on September 29, will now be in effect until December 31.
"Nobody should be worried about losing a roof over their head," Mr Pallas said.
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Housing Justice, a program of Bendigo-based ARC Justice, provides tenancy advocacy to people across central Victoria.
Manager Kirsty Waller said the extension to the ban on rental evictions will alleviate stress for many tenants in our region.
"Long-term solutions are still required to address the larger crisis in our housing system," Ms Waller said.
Tenants Victoria chief executive Jennifer Beveridge said Victoria's renters will breathe a sigh of collective relief that they will continue to be protected from evictions if they fall behind on rent.
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"Renters facing hardship, defined as payment 30 per cent or more of their income in rental payments, will also be helped by the increase in the rent relief grant to as much as $3000, up from $2000," Ms Beveridge said.
The Property Council of Australia Victorian executive director Cressida Wall said the extension will "push many landlords to their limits and beyond."
"Landlords cannot keep propping up the system," Ms Wall said.
"As the crisis goes on, we will need goodwill and action from both banks and governments to ensure that these businesses do not go under and take the economy down with them."
Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Jenny Smith said the extension is a relief to renters doing it tough during the pandemic.
"This is a time when the importance of having a safe home has never been clearer," Ms Smith.
The Treasurer announced further support for residential and commercial landlords, including further land tax discounts from 25 per cent to 50 per cent.