Tenancy Hardship Grant extended by Welsh Government
The Welsh Government has announced that the eligibility period for the Tenancy Hardship Grant launched in July 2021 will be extended to include Covid-related rent arrears accrued up to 31 December 2021.
Julie James (Minister of Climate Change) launched the £10m Tenancy Hardship Grant in July 2021 for tenants in the private rented sector who are in serious rent arrears as a result of the pandemic.
It followed extensive NRLA campaigning for a comprehensive package of financial support for tenants and landlords in Wales, to address to rent debt crisis.
The Welsh Government has opted to expand the scheme following extensive discussions with local authorities and other partner organisations. This latest announcement re-confirms that rental arrears built up between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021 will still be included under the terms of the scheme.
Alongside this news, James also stated that from now on social housing tenants who were not in receipt of housing-related benefits when they were impacted by rent arrears caused by the impact of the pandemic, will be able to benefit from the Tenancy Hardship Grant.
As a result, these individuals can now apply for assistance through either the Grant scheme or via Discretionary Housing Payments.
If you’d like to read the Welsh Government’s announcement in full, please click here.
Additionally, for more information, you can find our guide on the Tenant Hardship Grants in Wales here.
