- Successful WA Rent Relief Program extended a further six months
- More than $11 million in rent relief provided to WA tenants facing financial hardship
- Thousands of households avoid eviction, including many single-parent homes
The Cook Labor Government has extended its successful rent relief program delivering more meaningful cost-of-living relief and housing support for Western Australians.
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, a total of $11,652,077.42 has been paid to 2,712 households at an average of $4,296.49 per household.
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.
The WA Rent Relief Program, which had been due to expire in June 2025, has been extended to 31 December 2025, complementing ongoing State Government initiatives to increase housing supply and aid private tenants.
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 webpage.
As stated by Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"It is terrific we can extend this program and support more Western Australians.
"We are immensely proud to have so far helped more than 2,700 vulnerable 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 wraparound services like financial counselling and housing support, connecting tenants with community resources and strengthening landlord-tenant relationships."
As stated by Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
"The Cook Labor Government is doing everything it can to ensure Western Australians have access to affordable and stable housing
"This targeted relief is part of our record $5.1 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures since 2021."
