- WA Rent Relief Program extended for another six months as part of targeted cost-of-living support
- Nearly 3,700 households supported with more than $16 million so far to remain in secure housing
- Last call to switch short-stay, vacant homes to long-term rentals and claim incentives
- Cook Government committed to ensuring every Western Australian has a home
The Cook Government has strengthened its commitment to giving targeted relief to cost-of-living pressures and housing challenges for Western Australians by extending several key schemes that provide practical support to renters.
The WA Rent Relief Program, administered by Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA, has been extended a further six months to 30 June 2026, to help more tenants clear rental arrears, meet future costs and achieve housing stability.
Since launching in November 2023, more than $16 million has been paid to 3,700 households - an average of $4,346 per household.
Recent Anglicare WA data shows that three-quarters of recipients were based in the Perth metropolitan area, with the remaining quarter living in regional WA. Almost half of those assisted were families or single-parent households with children.
The program's impact is further demonstrated by 90 per cent of beneficiaries remaining in the same tenancy six months after receiving the support.
To be eligible for the WA Rent Relief Program, private tenants must be behind in rent putting them at risk of eviction, face difficulty meeting daily expenses and hold less than $3,000 in savings.
In addition to supporting at-risk tenants, the State Government is offering a final opportunity for owners of short-stay or vacant properties to access incentives and transition to the long-term rental market.
The Short Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) and Vacant Property Rental (VPR) Incentive schemes - providing $10,000 and $5,000 respectively to owners who commit to a minimum 12-month lease - have been extended by two months, until 28 February 2026 or until funds are exhausted.
These two schemes have already seen 810 properties transition.
Further information, including frequently asked questions, is available on WA Government website for the STRA and VPR incentive programs, and WA Rent Relief Program.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"We're proud to extend the WA Rent Relief Program to help more families into a stable home.
"This program helps provide the stability vulnerable Western Australians need to participate fully in work, school and their community.
"As well as extending the WA Rent Relief Program, we are working hard to boost housing supply and build more homes for Western Australians across our suburbs and regions."
As stated by Commerce Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"The Cook Government's decision to extend the WA Rent Relief Program means we can keep helping the Western Australians who need it most.
"More than 3,000 vulnerable households have gained housing stability thanks to rent support through this initiative.
"With new short-stay planning regulations starting on 1 January 2026, this is the final call for STRA and vacant property owners to claim incentives by moving into the long-term rental market and help ease our housing pressures."
As stated by Housing and Works Minister John Carey:
"One of our government's biggest priorities is ensuring every Western Australian has access to safe, secure and affordable housing.
"Extending the WA Rent Relief Program is yet another demonstration of that commitment, in addition to our government's record $5.8 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures since 2021."
