The Western Australian Government has extended its rent relief program through December 2024, providing continued assistance to tenants experiencing financial hardship.
The WA Rent Relief Program, administered by Anglicare WA and Vinnies WA, provides up to $5,000 in direct rental assistance to eligible households. Since launching in November 2023, the program has distributed $11.6 million to 2,712 households statewide.
Eligibility requirements include rental arrears, savings below $3,000, and demonstrated difficulty meeting essential living expenses.
Commerce Minister Tony Buti said the extension would prevent further evictions across the state.
“This program has assisted over 2,700 households in maintaining their tenancies,” Minister Buti said. “The partnership between government and community organisations continues to deliver results.”
Program data shows 75 percent of recipients were metropolitan-based, with the remaining 25 percent from regional areas. Women comprised 65 percent of beneficiaries, with single parents representing a significant portion of recipients across both gender categories.
The program has kept more than 1,000 children in stable housing arrangements.
Independent evaluation found 85 percent of recipients remained in their original tenancies six months post-assistance. Those who relocated received support transitioning to more affordable accommodation.
Housing and Works Minister John Carey positioned the program within broader housing policy measures.
“This initiative forms part of our $5.1 billion investment in housing and homelessness services since 2021,” Minister Carey said.
The program operates through community service providers who assess applications and coordinate payments directly to landlords or property managers.
