- $11 million in rent relief provided to WA tenants facing financial hardship
- Thousands of households avoid eviction, including many single-parent homes
- Successful WA Rent Relief Program operating in partnership with Anglicare and Vinnies
The Cook Labor Government continues to provide meaningful cost-of-living relief for Western Australians, delivering more than $11 million in rent relief to prevent the eviction of thousands of households in rental distress.
The WA Rent Relief Program, administered by Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA, provides payments of up to $5,000 to help at-risk tenants pay rental arrears and meet future costs while achieving long-term housing stability.
Since launching in November 2023, more than 2,480 households have been supported at an average of $4,285 per home.
Seventy-five per cent of recipients were from the Perth metropolitan area, with 25 per cent in regional WA. Women comprised 65 per cent of recipients, over half of whom were single parents. Among the 34 per cent of male recipients, 20 per cent were single parents.
Importantly, the program has kept more than 1,000 children in their homes.
An independent evaluation by the Centre for Social Impact confirms the WA Rent Relief Program's effectiveness, with 85 per cent of clients retaining their tenancies six months post-assistance. Those who were unable to stay were supported in finding more affordable housing.
To qualify for the WA Rent Relief Program, private tenants must be behind in rent, struggling to meet daily expenses and have less than $3,000 in the bank.
Further information including frequently asked questions about the program can be found on the WA Rent Relief Program web page.
As stated by Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"We are immensely proud to have helped more than 2,500 vulnerable Western Australian households achieve long-term housing stability by covering their rent arrears and future costs through this innovative program.
"The success of the WA Rent Relief Program underscores the power of government and not-for-profit collaboration to deliver meaningful change in the Western Australian community.
"Beyond preventing eviction, the program offers wrap-around services like financial counselling and housing support, connecting tenants with community resources and strengthening landlord-tenant relationships."
As stated by Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson:
"The WA Rent Relief Program holds people in place, provides some support, and it shows when the community sector and the government come together, great things can be done.
"Ninety-nine per cent of people recommend the program, and we hear the personal stories and testimonials of people saying it has absolutely changed their lives.
"The whole idea is to give people some free air, so they can think about their situation without that continual burden of the threat of eviction."
As stated by Vinnies WA Manager of Financial Counselling Services Suzanne Long:
"We sincerely thank the WA Government for their valuable investment in the WA Rent Relief Program.
"Their crucial support has provided stability and peace of mind to individuals and families facing housing insecurity. The commitment has made a real difference in the lives of those who need it most."
