Assignment, subletting or ending a tenancy early

If a client qualifies for an Advance Payment of Benefit it may be paid to meet the actual and reasonable costs a tenant is charged by the landlord for assignment, subletting or ending a tenancy early.

An Advance Payment of Benefit cannot be more than 6 weeks of benefit entitlement unless exceptional circumstances exist. As a guideline, an Advance Payment of Benefit for costs due to assignment, subletting or ending a tenancy early should not be more than $200.

Verification of the amount required for each cost, and the landlord's full name and address, must be seen.

If a landlord incurs actual and reasonable costs due to assignment, subletting or ending a tenancy early, they can recover the costs from the tenant.

A landlord can only charge for their actual and reasonable costs once they have provided a breakdown of the expenses to the tenant.

Not all costs a tenant may have to pay can be included in assistance paid to meet the costs of assignment, subletting or ending a tenancy early.

For more information see:

Generally, social housing tenants will not need to pay the social housing provider for costs related to assignment, subletting or ending a tenancy early.

Any applications for assistance with the costs of assignment, subletting or ending a tenancy early for social housing tenancies should be discussed with Helpline or your manager.