Dear VIPs,

You’ll be aware that the Victorian Government has reintroduced the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme applies retrospectively from 28 July 2021 and will run until 15 January 2022. 

Under the Scheme, the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) will support tenants and landlords by providing information to assist with negotiating a rent relief agreement and access to free and impartial mediation if a fair agreement can’t be reached. The VSBC is also offering help with negotiations and free mediation in situations where the tenant isn’t eligible for the Scheme.  VSBC encourages applications for assistance from both tenants and landlords.

VSBC has updated its website with detailed information including the regulations, FAQs for the Scheme, and step-by-step process for tenants and landlords.

Examples of material available include:

• guidance for tenants who can’t keep paying rent – see question 12 of our FAQs 
• letter templates that eligible tenants can use to request rent relief – question 13 of our FAQs has links to these helpful resources (tenants just need to fill in the parts highlighted in yellow) 
• information to help with negotiating a rent relief agreement – question 22 of our FAQs explains what ‘good faith negotiations’ mean 
• access to free and impartial mediation if a fair agreement can’t be reached. 

VSBC is also available to answer questions regarding the scheme on 13 8722. 

Information regarding further government support is available at Business Victoria website.

If you would like more information or if you would like to express your interest in attending an upcoming VSBC virtual session on tenant and landlord supports, please contact Linda Bailey at linda.bailey@vsbc.vic.gov.au. 

Yours sincerely,

Brendan Tohill | Chief Executive Officer
VANA – Victorian Authorised Newsagents Association
NLNA – National Lotteries Newsagents Association