These WA Rent Reforms address and update regulations about various aspects such as pet ownership, home modifications, and rent increases. Below is an overview of these recent changes that aim to balance the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.
12-Month rent increase interval
From the 29th July, rent rises will only be allowed once every 12 months.
Rent increases will be limited to once every 12 months for both periodic and fixed-term agreements. This change is intended to provide tenants with stability and help them better manage their budgets.
Pets are allowed with permission.
Pets will now be allowed in most properties, pending a common agreement between landlord and tenants.
Tenants can keep pets with the landlord’s consent, which cannot be unreasonably withheld. Landlords can refuse based on legal restrictions or if they can prove a ‘good reason’ to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection. Reasonable conditions can be imposed, such as professional cleaning requirements.
Minor modifications allowed.
Tenants are allowed to proceed with minor changes to their homes pending the agreement of their landlords on the jobs.
Tenants can make minor modifications, like installing picture hooks or water-efficient showerheads, with the landlord’s permission. Landlords can only refuse under specific conditions or by applying to the Commissioner. Tenants are responsible for restoring the property at the end of the tenancy.
Consumer Protection Commissioner decisions
Disputes over tenants’ rights to have a pet, make minor changes to a property and bond release payments will no longer have to go to court.
Disputes regarding pets, minor modifications, and bond releases can now be resolved by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection instead of going to court. This new process aims to simplify dispute resolution.
Streamlined bond release process
The process for bond release will be simplified to prevent disputes from going to court.
Set to begin between January and July 2025, the new bond release process will allow tenants, landlords, or agents to apply for bond release, with disputes handled by the Commissioner instead of going to court.
Need more information?
These reforms are designed to modernise the rental sector, making it more accommodating for long-term tenants and providing clearer guidelines for landlords. For more detailed information about how this could affect your particular situation as a homeowner or as a tenant, contact one of our expert members.
