MEMBER For Mildura Ali Cupper says legislation being introduced next week will help bring clarity and relieve anxiety for commercial and residential tenants and landlords.

The Victorian Government will bring the legislation to an emergency sitting of Parliament next Thursday.

The $500 million package includes providing land tax relief for landlords and rent relief for tenants who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legislation, which will reform residential and commercial tenancy laws, will include introducing a temporary ban on evictions and a pause on rental increases for six months.

“The issue of residential and commercial rent has been one of the most pressing for so many people and businesses – both tenants and landlords,” Ms Cupper said.

“I support any measures that will help ensure people are not thrown onto the street because they are unable to pay the rent after losing their jobs. That’s the last thing we want.

“It’s also important to ensure measures are in place to help landlords.

“It was crucial the government moved to give certainty on this issue.”

Landlords who offer rent relief will be eligible for a 25 per cent reduction in their land tax.

Tenants and landlords who can not strike a deal over rent reductions will get access to dispute resolution with Consumer Affairs Victoria or the Victorian Small Business Commission.

“The creation of an $80 million rental assistance fund to help those people facing financial hardship due to the coronavirus is also a very important measure,” Ms Cupper said.

To be eligible, renters will need to have registered a revised agreement with Consumer Affairs Victoria or gone through mediation, have less than $5000 in savings and be paying at least 30 per cent of their income in rent.