Family fearing homelessness after their landlord began calling in 'deferred rent' as Queensland's coronavirus eviction moratorium ends

As parts of the country begin to lift restrictions on landlords kicking out tenants, Matthew Emptage and his family are waiting to see if they get the message no tenant wants to receive: an eviction notice. Key points: The moratorium on evictions will end in Queensland next week Rent relief measures remain in other states but are scheduled to end in the coming months New data shows that in some states, up to a third of rental agreements that were altered during COVID-19 were deferrals instead of cuts to rent. Landlords warned some debts will have to be forgiven Dr Martin believes the higher deferral rates in New South Wales and Queensland than Victoria could be the result of the real estate industry in those states pushing harder for tenants to sign deferrals instead of rental cuts. Real Estate Institute of Australia president Adrian Kelly said insurance policies could help some landlords recoup deferred rent that is never paid back. He said insurance policies mean many owners will be able to claim back deferrals that are never paid by renters but won't be able to get the money back if they negotiate a rent reduction.