COVID-19 VIC: Business, Non-Profits, Individuals – Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme

This program aims to alleviate financial hardship faced by tenants and landlords as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19). It forms part of the Victorian Government's $1.7 billion economic survival and jobs package, which has been developed to help Victorian businesses and workers survive the devastating impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

For commercial tenants and landlords, the scheme will provide the following support:
- A six-month moratorium on commercial tenancy evictions for the non-payment of rent for small to medium enterprises with an annual turnover under $50 million that have experienced a minimum 30% reduction in turnover due to coronavirus (COVID-19), commencing from 29 March 2020.
- A freeze on rent increases during the moratorium for commercial tenants.
- A rent payment waiver or deferral proportionate to commercial tenants’ income reduction due to coronavirus (COVID-19), to be negotiated between the tenant and landlord.
- A free mediation service for commercial tenants and landlords, accessed through the VSBC, to support fair tenancy negotiations.

The Government will also provide land tax relief to commercial or industrial landlords that provide rent relief to their tenants, provided:
- The tenant’s annual turnover doesn’t exceed $50 million.
- The business is an eligible business in the Commonwealth’s JobKeeper program.
- The business is suffering financial stress or hardship as a result of the pandemic.

The Government will also provide land tax relief to residential landlords who provide rent relief to eligible tenants.

On 20 August 2020 the Victorian Government announced changes and an extension to the scheme until 31 December 2020. This means negotiations for rent relief between a commercial tenant and their landlord must consider this timeframe.

A total funding pool of $500 million is available.

Please refer to the FAQs for more information.

A tenant is entitled to rent relief under the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme if they:
- Occupy premises under an eligible lease.
- Are an SME with an annual turnover under $50 million.
- Are an employer participating in the JobKeeper scheme.