Damaged Rental Properties

Rehousing and Recovery

Am I eligible?

The Rehousing and Recovery ? Damaged Rental Properties Payment is to assist owners of rental properties which were damaged in the 2009 Victorian Bushfires to make property repairs to ensure that the property remains a safe and viable accommodation option for tenants.

You will not be eligible for the Rehousing and Recovery Non Primary Place of Residence - Damaged Rental Properties Payment if the property is owned by a corporate entity.

What assistance is available?

Owners whose residential rental property, which was damaged a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires are eligible for a payment of up to $7,500.

Please note, if you have not previously applied for the $3,000 Household Repairs payment, and provide quotes, invoices, or receipts to the value of at least $10,500, then the Fund will make both payments to eligible applicants under the Damaged Rental Properties application.

Applicants must attach invoices, quotes or receipts for the repair of damage directly caused by the 09 Victorian bushfires.

Recipients of this payment may need to seek independent advice from their Financial Advisor or the Australian Tax Office on any tax implications of receiving this payment.

How do I claim?

To claim the Rehousing and Recovery - Damaged Rental Properties Payment, you will need to complete the Damaged Rental Properties application form (PDF, ??KB) and include all supporting documentation.

What information do I need to provide?

The Government recognises the extraordinary circumstances that families are facing and will work with individuals to ensure that any necessary information can be obtained in a flexible and sensitive manner.The Government will need to reasonably establish:

• proof of identity
• proof that the fire affected address was the primary place of residence for all occupants on the application form
• that the applicants were the owner/occupants of the fire affected address
• that your property was damaged as a result of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires.

Proof of identity can include:

• passport
• drivers licence, Key Pass or other photographic identification
• birth certificate.

Proof of primary address may include:

• drivers Licence
• rates notice
• bank statement
• utilities bill or statement.

Proof of ownership may include:

• rates notice which is sent to fire affected property address.

Proof that the property was a rental property

• rental agreement
• rental receipts.

Proof of damage and the cost of repairs may include:

• quotes
• receipts, invoices
• photographs.

If you require assistance with providing required information please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

Who can witness a statutory declaration?

People authorised to witness statutory declarations include lawyers, police, pharmacists, school principals, ministers of religion, bank managers, doctors, vets and Housing Services Officers.

If you require assistance with getting your statutory declaration witnessed please contact the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.

How long do I have to claim?

Applications for this Gift have now closed.

What if I need assistance with completing the form?

You can contact the Victorian Bushfires Appeal Fund on 1800 180 213.