Energy webinar and legal support to relieve renter stress
Published on 15 April 2021
Frankston City tenants who are having difficulty keeping up with their energy bills or rental payments can access a range of local supports to ease the burden.
North West Ward Cr Steven Hughes urged those in need to reach out rather than risk worsening circumstances due to debt.
March was particularly challenging for vulnerable people, with Jobkeeper ending, the moratorium on evictions being lifted and energy disconnections in Victoria more than double those for January and February combined.
Cr Hughes said: “Council understands that, as pandemic-related supports wind down, the pain is likely to be sharpest among those who are unemployed, carrying debts or unable to make their rent.
“That’s why we are continuing to look at ways tenants can reduce their energy bills for long term relief and why we have funded Advocates who can help those facing immediate threats such as eviction,” Cr Hughes said.
Tenants in Frankston City can access a free webinar on ways to reduce their energy bills and emissions on 20 April.
The webinar – How to Save Energy in Your Rental – is being offered jointly by Frankston City Council and the Australian Energy Foundation.
Council has partnered with the Foundation so that householders can access reliable advice and tips from a reputable source.
The webinar will show participants how to negotiate better energy deals – potentially saving a household up to $300 a year – and increase the energy efficiency and comfort of their home without needing landlord approval.
Tenants will also hear about new minimum standards that Victorian landlords must meet in the provision of heating and cooling in their rental properties.
Participants will need to download Zoom and book on Eventbrite, using the event title in the search.
Cr Hughes urged those facing immediate threat to their tenancies to contact the Peninsula Community Legal Centre.
“Frankston City Council has provided the Centre with a grant of $103,000 and I’m happy to say it’s been used to employ an additional tenants’ advocate to help those in difficulty,” Cr Hughes said.
During the moratorium on evictions, which ended on 28 March, tenants who fell behind in their rent due to circumstances related to the pandemic could not be forced out.
Eviction notices can now be served when a rental payment is 14 days overdue, with tenants wanting to appeal having to go to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Peninsula Community Legal Centre CEO, Jackie Galloway, said she was expecting to see an increase in renter stress.
Ms Galloway said: “The financial impact of COVID is still having a significant effect for many in our community.
“With the end of rent reduction agreements, relief grants and changes to income support such as Jobkeeper, we foresee there will be an increase in tenants struggling to sustain their rent and facing eviction,” Ms Galloway said.
The legal centre’s tenancy programs can:
- provide advice and assistance in dealing with notices and rent arrears.
- present payment plans on behalf of tenants at VCAT.
- liaise with landlords about repairing items (such as faulty heaters).
- represent tenants at VCAT where family violence is involved in order to terminate a tenancy or remove a party from a lease.
For webinar bookings, please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/how-to-save-energy-in-your-rental-home-webinar-frankston-city-council-tickets-141069973087
For tips on energy savings including solar for renters, please visit https://www.aef.com.au/
For more information on tenancy issues, please phone Peninsula Community Legal Centre on 9783 3600.