Concerns remain for NSW tenants despite state rental rescue package

A long-awaited rental relief package for New South Wales has been released but concerns remain that it could result in residential tenants generating a massive debt by the end of the coronavirus crisis.

A man walks past a sign saying Stop the Rent on King Street in Newtown in Sydney, 23 March 2020. Source: AAP

The New South Wales government has announced a $440 million rescue package for residential and commercial tenants and landlords.

It aims to help renters who have lost at least 25 per cent of their income, or businesses suffering a revenue loss of at least 30 per cent due to COVID-19.

Announcing the package New South Wales Treasurer Dominic Perottet said landlords would be offered waivers or rebates of up to 25 per cent on their land tax payments, as long as they pass it on to their tenants.