The Tasmanian Government has revealed that seven properties in the North-West, 14 in the North and 29 in the South will take part in the private rental incentive scheme.

Housing Minister Roger Jaensch is pleased that the pilot program has been supported.

“It’s great to see so many Tasmanians signing up for this scheme,” Mr Jaensch said.

“It is great for those making homes available and those getting into the rental market for the first time and just one of the many ways we are responding to Tasmania’s housing shortage.”

Housing and disability reform chief executive Peter White said six tenants had so far moved into the properties and leases were being drawn up for the remaining houses.

“We have well over 100 people who have expressed interest in tenanting their properties under that program,” Mr White said.

The program will run until June 2019.

It is aimed at encouraging people who use their properties for short term rental, such as Airbnb, to rent them out.

For each approved property, owners will receive a financial payment of $10,000 to $13,000 per property, per year and will also be guaranteed that rent is paid for the term of the lease.

The government hopes that under the scheme, individuals, couples, and families who are finding it difficult to secure affordable rental properties will be able to access to secure private rental accommodation. 

The leases are for 12 months and are at affordable rents.

The program is being run by Housing Tasmania with support from community housing providers and Housing Connect.

Properties also needed to be close to services, as well as meeting the minimum standards under the Residential Tenancy Act 1997.

The rental rates are up to 20-per-cent below the median rental asking prices.