Community organisations helping renters in need will receive more funding as part of the Allan Labor Government’s landmark Housing Statement, with bodies able to put themselves forward from this week.

Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams today announced organisations delivering support for renters in the private market can register their interest in the $2 million Rental Stress Support Package from Friday.

These organisations provide information and advice, advocacy and legal assistance to Victorian households.

The Rental Stress Support Package recognises high demand for services with an estimated 5 per cent of Victorian households facing serious renting stress. Supporting families to stay in their homes and preventing homelessness, it is one of many initiatives to support renters and extend protections in the Housing Statement.

The injection builds on more than $25 million invested annually in the Private Rental Assistance Program to help community agencies deliver this important work.

The Labor Government also supports private renters experiencing financial disadvantage or family violence through the Tenancy Assistance and Advocacy Program. The program assisted more than 8,400 Victorians last financial year, backed by a $3.2 million investment, with information, negotiation support and assistance at VCAT hearings.

The Government’s Affordable Housing Rental Scheme is making 2,400 public homes available to low to moderate income earners – part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build delivering 12,000 affordable and social homes.

The Housing Statement delivered in September will boost housing affordability by significantly expanding housing supply with a target to build 800,000 new homes – 80,000 homes a year over the next 10 years.

The Labor Government has delivered more than 130 initiatives to strengthen Victorian renters’ rights in recent years, providing renters with the strongest protections in Australia. In addition to the $2 million Rental Stress Support Package, the Housing Statement includes further reforms that will:

• Stop landlords from evicting first-term renters to secure higher rent

• Extend notice of rent increases and notice to vacate periods to 90 days

• Create a portable rental bond scheme

• Stamp out all types of rental bidding

• Establish Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria – providing a one-stop shop to resolve tenancy disputes.

For more information on the Rental Stress Support Package go to consumer.vic.gov.au/rentalstresssupport.