Meet Hieu: How Anika's COVID-19 Rent Reduction Service is helping Victorian renters

Like so many other Australians, the escalation of COVID-19 meant Hieu's life was turned upside down.

Stood down by both employers, Hieu was having to dig into his savings constantly, causing a huge mental and financial strain. Seeking support from his real estate agent over his rent, Hieu quickly realised that he may not get the reduction he was after.

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"I wasn’t really feeling like they were very up to the rent reduction because they were telling me that I would [have to] repay the full amount, and that was not really what I wanted."

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While back and forth negotiations with his agent meant he could secure a 30% rent reduction that he would have to repay at a later date, Hieu wondered if they could do more. That's when he contacted Anika.

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‍"[I had heard] how Anika can help with legal deferments, rent reduction and things like that, so I contacted them by the link."

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After getting in touch with us online, Hieu was quickly paired up with Kevin, one of our volunteer paralegals. Discussing his situation, Kevin helped to draft a letter to Hieu's agents requesting a 30% rent reduction that does not need to be repaid. After sending the letter, Hieu's agent agreed to these terms the very next day.

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‍"[Anika] was really quick with everything, like the follow-up, and also tried their best to help out...I feel like I at least had someone else on my side who helped me work things out."

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Anika’s COVID-19 Rent Reduction Service was able to provide Hieu the free legal guidance and support he needed to succeed in his rent reduction claim, a result he may not have secured otherwise.

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"If it wasn’t for Anika I don’t think I would have pursued the negotiations on my own... Now [my rent] is actually reduced."

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With a team of over 60 volunteers, Anika prides itself on working tirelessly to support Victorian tenants in situations just like Hieu’s everyday.