Welsh Government Scheme to Pay Off Covid Arrears Launched

Posted on July 22nd, 2021

Welsh Government’s new Tenancy Hardship Grant

The Grant launch, which coincided with the end of the ban on evictions in Wales on 30 June 2021, is available to anyone who has built up more than eight weeks’ arrears since March 2020 (see eligibility below). The Grant replaces the Tenancy Saver Loan, which offered loans payable over a period of five years to cover arrears; these loans will now be converted to the new Grant to support tenants who have struggled to pay their rent as a direct result of the pandemic.

To apply for a Tenancy Hardship Grant, you must have had financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic that meant that you have not been able to pay your rent.

Eligibility

You will:

• have built up 8 weeks or more of rent arrears between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021
• have struggled to pay your rent or rent arrears due to Covid-19
• live in and hold a tenancy for a private sector property in Wales
• not have been getting housing benefit or housing cost payments through Universal Credit when you built up your rent arrears
• not have been able to fully pay your rent during the period when you went into arrears because of Covid-19.
• You will not be able to get a Tenancy Hardship Grant if you have not experienced financial hardship during Covid-19 and deliberately not paid your rent to your landlord or agent.

PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS APPLICABLE TO TENANTS IN WALES, SWLA ARE CALLING FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE A SIMILAR SCHEME IN ENGLAND

For further information; https://gov.wales/tenancy-hardship-grant-private-rented-sector-tenants-coronavirus