The Territory Labor Government has deferred the implementation of its Remote Rent Framework as the rollout of information continues across communities, town camps and community living areas.
There will be further communication over the next five months to ensure tenants feel informed about the changes. The Framework will now be launched on 6 February 2023.
The new Framework creates a system that is fair; easy to understand and administer; removes the need for bond; and charges tenants a flat rate of $70 per bedroom, per week.
Around 65 per cent of households will see an increase in rent under the new framework but it is important to note this is the first increase for remote public housing tenants in over a decade.
The Territory Labor Government will automatically provide a rental safety net to tenants identified as 'at risk' of rental stress when the new Remote Rent Framework comes into effect.
In tandem with rolling out the new Framework across remote communities, legacy rental debts have been waived up until 11 December 2021.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo:
"The Territory Labor Government's investment in remote housing is unprecedented, and our new Remote Rent Framework will streamline the management of tenancies as we continue to build and upgrade more homes, and improve liveability right across the NT.
"The new Framework will replace an out-of-date system that was confusing for tenants, and challenging to administer.
"However, we want to ensure our tenants and stakeholders feel informed about the changes and over the next five months we will revisit communities, town camps and community living areas to explain the new Framework in more detail."
