Released 13/05/2020
Canberra’s Conflict Resolution Service is now providing free mediation for residential tenants and landlords who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This free service is intended to support tenants and landlords to arrive at negotiated temporary agreements regarding their residential tenancies and help share the burden in the current environment,” Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said.
“The CRS will work with parties to resolve their disputes through a facilitated discussion, negotiate options and work to agree on a path forward.
“Parties who are interested in resolving their residential tenancy disputes related to COVID-19 impacts including negotiating a rent reduction can contact CRS for support and assistance,” Mr Ramsay said.
This service is in addition to a suite of measures previously implemented by the ACT Government to support tenants and landlords including the moratorium on evictions for rental arrears for COVID-19 impacted households and land tax/rates rebates for landlords who agree to reduce rent by 25 percent.
Melissa Haley, Chief Executive Officer of CRS, said that CRS is committed to supporting the Canberra community to provide alternative dispute resolution methods.
“We are continuing to provide crucial services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic which will now include facilitated mediations between landlords and tenants,” Ms Haley said.
Registration for the residential tenancy mediation is now open and can be made via the CRS website. CRS can be contacted by phone on (02) 6189 0590.
For more information on this service, visit: www.covid19.act.gov.au/help-and-advice/residential-tenancies
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Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases