Starting 29 July 2024, Western Australia is implementing significant rent reforms to balance the rental market. Here are the critical changes landlords need to know:
Rent Increases
- Limited to once every 12 months.
- Prevents using multiple short-term agreements to increase rent more frequently.
Pets
- Allowed with permission.
- Landlords can refuse based on local laws, property suitability, or valid reasons approved by the Consumer Protection Commissioner.
- Reasonable conditions can be set, such as requiring professional cleaning.
Minor Modifications
- Tenants can request small changes, like installing picture hooks or planting a garden.
- Landlords can set reasonable conditions and require the tenant to remove any changes made and retore the premises at the end of the tenancy unless otherwise agreed.
Dispute Resolution
- 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.
- The Commissioner for Consumer Protection will handle disputes related to bond release, pets, and modifications as an independent authority.
- Decisions are based on submitted evidence, with the right to appeal to the Magistrates Court.
These reforms aim to create a fairer rental environment for both tenants and landlords.
To learn more, reach out to our friendly property law team.