In times of financial hardship, including adverse changes to financial circumstances, Tenants in Australia have a range of legal protections to fall back on.
Should any customer of PublicSquare default on payment obligations, PublicSquare will ultimately defer to the rental tenancy laws and generally accepted procedures of the state or region to which the customer's lease agreement is subject.
That being said, PublicSquare may be able to offer additional options to help its customers retain their lease and homes.
The purpose of this policy is to describe a range of potential remedies that PublicSquare may suggest and offer to its customers in the event of payment defaults. This policy may be utilised and applied to all customers of PublicSquare. Our Financial Hardship Policy can help you access support and services when you need them most.
Are you at risk of defaulting on payments? We are here to help, and we won't judge you. Please reach out to your Property Manager as soon as possible to arrange a phone call or coffee.
If you’re in financial stress and are unable to pay money owed to the property manager, we may, in certain circumstances, agree to one or a combination of solutions, including but not limited to:
Open Communication and Early Intervention
We encourage you to reach out to us as soon as you anticipate or encounter a payment issue. Whether it’s a missed rent deadline or another financial concern, a quick phone call, email, or conversation can make all the difference. By discussing your situation early, we can better understand your needs—whether it’s a temporary setback like a medical expense or a longer-term challenge like a job transition. Our goal is to work with you proactively, offering reminders, exploring options, and avoiding escalation. For example, we might send a friendly reminder a day or two after rent is due to open the door for a solution-focused discussion.
Payment Plans
If you’re behind on rent, we may be able offer a temporary payment plan to help you catch up without overwhelming your budget. This involves spreading out the overdue amount over an agreed-upon period, documented in a written agreement signed by all parties to the lease. This approach gives you breathing room to stabilise your finances while keeping your tenancy intact.
PublicSquare welcomes your questions or comments regarding this Hardship Policy. If you believe that PublicSquare or the appointed Property Managers have not adhered to this policy, please contact PublicSquare at:
PublicSquare Technology Pty Ltd
71 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD
support@publicsquare.com.au
