Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Housing spokesperson
The Premier has today issued a Notice prohibiting evictions and freezing rent increases in commercial properties. This measure has the Greens’ support and will be welcomed by those businesses who are hurting and trying to hold on through COVID-19.
Last week, as a result of a Greens’ amendment to the COVID-19 emergency legislation, the government moved to freeze evictions of Tasmanians living in rental homes.
In acknowledging the need to freeze commercial rents, we know the government understands rents across the board need to be addressed. No one should have their rent rising during this time.
The same people who worked in the scaled-back or suspended businesses, will be those who’ll struggle to pay increased rent on their homes. We’re hearing from tenants whose landlords have told them their rent is going up, in a pandemic.
The majority of landlords will do the right thing, but enacting a freeze on rent increases will put tenants’ minds at ease. We also support government assistance to take pressure off landlords who are themselves facing financial difficulty.
In a pandemic emergency it is essential that everyone has a secure and affordable place to call home.