Businesses benefit from COVID-19 rent relief

Small businesses in the Wimmera-mallee can benefit from more COVID-19 financial support, with the State Government committing $80-million to support landlords who offer rent relief to their tenants.

Businesses that suffered a decline in income of at least 30 percent due to the pandemic can apply for the government’s

Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme. A business must have annual turnover of less than $50-million to be eligible.

Landlords are required to provide proportional rent relief in line with a business’s reduction in turnover.

The government will provide separate support as part of a hardship fund for landlords who help their tenants. Member for Western Victoria and Small Business Minister Jaala Pulford said the scheme would support thousands of businesses across the state, easing financial pressure for eligible tenants.

The government is encouraging landlords and tenants to use mediation service Victorian

Small Business Commission, VSBC, for negotiation support. Landlords will not be able to lock out or evict tenants without a determination from the VSBC.

Tenants and landlords can call Victorian Small Business Commission on 13 87 22 or visit website vsbc.vic.gov.au for further information.