Wimmera real estate agents say commercial landlords and tenants are at risk during the coronavirus crisis

Horsham Real Estate director Nola Brown said while no one had expressed any difficulty paying rent so far, the agency had received plenty of phone calls from both commercial and residential landlords and tenants who weren't sure what help was available to them.

"I just think the government has got to step in and help residential and commercial tenants be certain about what is going on," she said.

Ms Brown said many commercial tenants and landlords have not had to navigate government assistance options before.

"For a lot of them, putting their hand up to ask for help is difficult. It's a matter of reassuring them," she said.

Ms Brown also said it was early days and the situation could worsen before it gets better.

"We're only three weeks in (to restrictions)," she said.

"Businesses are still trying to stay open and we're not far enough in for people to be in real hardship yet, but as long as they are pointed in the right direction there is government help out there."

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Ms Brown recommended looking up the My Gov website, Centrelink, and contacting an accountant for guidance.

Ray White Ararat principal Philip Clark said commercial landlords and tenants were at greater risk than residential ones.

"It's our commercial tenants and landlords, particularly in the hospitality and retail industries, that are hardest hit," he said.

"Residents would only be impacted if they've lost their jobs but they will still be supported with job seeker and JobKeeper payments, so we don't expect a big impact on the residential sector. It's mainly the commercial."

Both Mr Clark and Ms Brown said more often than not, people wanted to help their tenants stay in their properties.

"Most of our landlords have been very supportive and understanding with their tenants," Mr Clark said.

"Most really want to support the tenants through this and see them get started up again and be in business.

"But sometimes when it's the landlord's only source of income they are going to find it really hard. I don't know what financial assistance would be available to them through the government."

Mr Clark said government assistance with things like rates could make a significant difference to both tenants and landlords.

"I I think rates and those sorts of things will have a big impact as most of that is passed onto tenants and it can be a lot of money - anywhere from $2000 to $10,000 per annum," he said.

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