Support is dependent on the results of a means test regardless of any debts you may have with Centrelink or any other government department. Depending on eligibility, a financial advisor may be appointed to you to assist with budgeting and financial management.
Can I get an emergency payment if I can’t pay my rent?
As soon as you experience difficulty paying the rent, contact the owner/agent to explain the situation and make an arrangement. The sooner you contact them, the less likely you are to encounter problems. You can also contact the Tenant Advice Line or Financial Counsellors Association of WA for more information, and read the following section for other supports.
Support to maintain a tenancy
It is easy to fall into difficulties when renting a property, for example if the rent falls behind or a large utility bill is not able to be paid, or one of the children accidentally breaks a window and a neighbour makes a complaint. There are support services available to assist people to deal with these types of issues to avoid eviction and the threat of homelessness. It is important to do something about any problems as early as possible, and support services may be able to negotiate positive outcomes, or assist with emergency relief funds if the matter is dealt with in its early stages.
The Federal Government, Western Australian Government and non-government organisations provide several types of rental housing products and supports to Western Australians on a low to moderate income who have a housing issue. These products and supports come in the form of rental housing options, rent assistance, information on tenant rights, legal support and emergency relief. Eligibility criteria vary from product to product or service.
Private Rental Tenancy Support Services:
Australian Red Cross – 9225 8888
Centrecare – 9440 0400
Ruah Community Services – 9493 5021
Anglicare – 9528 0702
UnitingCare West – 1300 663 298
Multicultural Services Centre of WA – 9328 1544
Accord West –South West of Western Australia – 9791 3213 (Bunbury)
Anglicare WA – Great Southern area of Western Australia – 9845 6666 (Albany)
Geraldton Resource Centre – 9938 0600 (Murchison)
WestAus Crisis and Welfare Service – 9582 9920 (Peel)
These Private Rental Tenancy Support Services work with families or individuals experiencing difficulties with their private rental tenancies. The services link with mainstream services before debts or other tenancy management issues become unmanageable or eviction processes start.
Support workers liaise with landlords and property managers to facilitate tenants remaining in tenancies by assisting tenants to come up with solutions to the issues being experienced.
The Department of Housing also offers Private Rental Aboriginal Assistance Loans for Aboriginal people living in private rental housing who are experiencing financial difficulties in relation to their tenancies. Eligibility criteria apply, so contact the Department of Housing for more information or click here.
