Canberra lockdown: ACT government urges landlords to consider temporary rent reductions

ACT Attorney-General Shane Rattenbury said measures such as eviction moratoriums may be considered if the territory's lockdown is extended beyond September 2.

But in the meantime, Mr Rattenbury has urged landlords to consider temporary rent reductions for tenants affected by the outbreak.

"Some people will have lost some or all of their income," he said.

"We'd encourage landlords and tenants to start talking about either perhaps a rent reduction or whether there's going to be a rental catch up plan over a period of time."

Mr Rattenbury also tenants and landlords to work together on inspections.

"What we're hoping for is this will be a short and relatively sharp lockdown. And that, for that period, landlords and tenants can work together on a range of issues," he said.

"Things like if an inspection is due, either is delaying that inspection. Or if for some reason it is urgent, that would become a virtual inspection where the tenant might use FaceTime or one of those mechanisms to show the property the landlord so we can keep social distancing going and we're not adding stress for people around these kinds of matters."

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Chief Minister Andrew Barr said further support would be considered if necessary.

"The current extended lockdown may present challenges for some in our community, particularly tenants who have been financially impacted by public health directions," Mr Barr said.

"The ACT government will continue to monitor the impacts of this Covid outbreak on landlords and tenants, and consider whether further support is necessary."

A range of measures were implemented during the initial coronavirus-induced lockdown, including a moratorium on evictions. Mr Rattenbury said it was an option.

"The powers were brought in over the COVID-19 emergency response act to allow a temporary declaration making power, and that power remains in place," Mr Rattenbury said.

"And that's where things like the eviction moratorium can be put in place. With only a three-week lockdown at this point in time, we remain hopeful that people can work together."

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