[Date]

Dear Landlord/Agent,

We/I write about our telephone conversation on [date]. 

On 13 July 2021, the NSW government introduced laws to stop eviction based on rental arrears. As we/I have mentioned to you, we/I am in financial distress because of the COVID-19 health crisis and I cannot afford to pay the rent according to the tenancy agreement. I write to ask that we negotiate for a reduction in rent. 

The process will require the parties to work on a good faith basis. 

We/I ask that given the circumstances, and the need for the whole community to work together in keeping the economy functioning as well as achieving public health objectives, that we be given a [x]% rent waiver and an additional [x]% deferral of the rent. 

We explain our circumstances: 
1. Financial position - e.g. is [x]% reduction in income and has continued for [x] number of weeks - we are living solely off our savings and that has depleted and we will soon go into debt. 
2. Centrelink assistance -  e.g. we have applied for Centrelink payment but… 
3. Tenancy history - We have been good tenants for [duration] now. We have not missed a payment but we cannot afford the rent as it is. 

Therefore, we are asking for a waiver of [x]% and an additional [x]% deferral of rent. 

We ask that you consider the following, and if agreeable, be the terms of our agreement:

•	The rent payable from [date] is reduced to $[x amount] for [number of weeks].
•	The new rent payable (taking into account the above) is $[x] but [x]% of it is deferred until [date].

We ask that you please consider this request and let us know by [date]. We really want us to work together on this. 

We also ask that you set your position out in writing so as to minimise any miscommunication or misunderstanding. 

Yours sincerely, 

[dated and signed by all rent paying members of the household]