Being behind on rent is more than just a financial issue. It’s deeply personal. Putting a roof over your head is a basic need, and yet it’s becoming more and more challenging for a number of Australians, as rental prices rise.
If you’re wondering how you got here and whether you’re going to lose your home, then take heart. You are not alone – there are organisations that will help you when you need it the most.
Here’s where you can start.
Anglicare
For renters at risk of rental arrears and needing financial assistance with rental payments, Anglicare provides emergency rental assistance to maintain private rental tenancies and prevent eviction. The main centre for housing support (financial assistance for private renters, and those looking for low income housing) is based in New South Wales. Contact Anglicare for specific services in your state.
They will encourage you to address the problem immediately with your landlord while they assist with rent arrears, depending on your individual circumstances.
The Salvation Army
A national organisation caring for the social needs of Australian residents, the Salvation Army provides help to people falling behind on rent for private rental accommodation, utility bills, and food. They can also provide you with temporary housing options if your situation has become serious, through the Salvation Army Housing program.
Furthermore, they provide financial counselling if you’re struggling to pay your rent, electricity bills, and other expenses due to unexpected hardship.
Australian Red Cross
The national office of the Australian Red Cross is based in Melbourne, but the organisation has branches across the country supporting people who are at risk of losing their rental property by negotiating with the landlord or rental provider. They will help you by getting your rent payments back on track or finding more suitable accommodation to ease your rental stress.
They also provide other services such as income management, domestic abuse, or loss of employment, which can contribute to rental arrears or the need to leave your home. It is advisable to get in touch with your local branch to get more detailed information about the support they provide in your state or town.
Wesley Mission
Focusing on the needs of families and singles who need tenancy support, the Wesley Mission provides case workers to help you with your financial situation, transitional housing (if tenancy cannot be saved). You can contact their Head Office regarding rental assistance for your particular state, with links to main centres here:
The Wesley Mission will manage rental assistance on a case-by-case basis, with a view to stabilising existing accommodation. This will likely require an assessment of your household income, lease agreement, and other expenses to determine the best course of action for your situation.
Saint Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies)
With offices across Australia, Vinnies helps residents suffering from financial stress due to rent arrears. They offer three options, depending on your specific needs:
- Financial assistance and counselling: Rent assistance to secure tenancy in the short term, including help with landlords.
- Emergency housing: Provides alternatives if tenancy cannot be secured.
- Food relief services: Food services are a way to help you catch up on your rent arrears by providing food parcels for a short period. This takes the pressure off you to provide food for your family while you’re trying to deal with rent arrears.
Launch Housing
Launch Housing’s private rental programs provide assistance for those at risk of losing private rental tenancy, with short-term financial help. Their services include information, advice, and advocacy. Eligible renters can receive a one-off payment, and referral to external debt management agencies is provided.
To qualify for assistance you need to reside in one of the following areas:
- Cities of Greater Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia Shire.
- Cities of Port Philip, Stonnington, Glen Eira, Bayside, Kingston, Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
- City of Melbourne (CBD, Southbank and East Melbourne only), Yarra, Darebin, Banyule, Nillumbik and Whittlesea.
Other places to look for help
These charities provide much more than covering rental arrears or shortfalls. Their services secure rental stability, preventing homelessness before it begins. Their work can also provide a much needed break for people struggling with temporary financial distress by providing food and utility support.
However, sometimes you need more than a short term solution – you need an overhaul of your finances and a new approach for the future. The key is knowing where to turn.
Debt Busters
Debt Busters provides various debt relief services tailored to Australians in financial distress. Here are a few options you could consider:
Debt settlement
If you have a lump sum of savings you’ve been holding onto, but now is the time to use it to make ends meet, then a debt settlement is for you. Debt Busters will negotiate with creditors to settle for an amount less than owed, making extra funds available for rent arrears.
Informal payment arrangement (IPA)
In an informal arrangement, you make one affordable payment to Debt Busters, who then negotiate your debts with the creditors at a lower rate than you would have paid, and distribute payments between them. This is not a debt settlement, but a re-arrangement of the debt schedule. This is helpful when you need extra funds to pay your rent.
Debt agreement
A debt arrangement offers a path forward for people who want to combine their rental arrears and other unsecured debts into one manageable, interest-free payment plan. If rent arrears are included, your landlord becomes one of the creditors in the arrangement. Once accepted by all listed creditors, it pauses landlord action, giving you breathing space. When the agreed amount is fully paid, the remaining debt (including rent arrears) is legally written off.
This type of arrangement is a formal alternative to bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Act 1966, with long-term implications — but for many, it provides a way to regain control without entering full bankruptcy.
However, a debt agreement is only available for eligible individuals with debts & income below a certain threshold, so contact Debt Busters now to discuss eligibility.
Help is just a phone call away
Don’t suffer in silence and misery if you’re behind on your rent. The sooner you tackle this situation, the better for everyone. By reaching out to the charities we’ve listed, you’re sure to get the help you need, and if rent arrears are just part of a bigger problem, then reach out to Debt Busters, who guide you to financial freedom in the long term.
If you act right away, you’ll get the relief you’re looking for and you can start feeling confident about the future again.