Tenants
Information about renting and tenancy for tenants
Dealing with the concerns of tenants and property owners is one of the major areas of Consumer Protection's work.
If you are renting a residential property in Western Australia or thinking of doing so soon, the information here will help you avoid many potential problems.
The information here should be read in conjunction with our publication Renting a home in Western Australia - a tenant's guide [PDF 903KB], which is available free from the Department. Ring our Advice Line on 1300 30 40 54 for a print copy. At the time you read this guide, you may wish to check with us whether any changes have been introduced.
The relevant laws in WA are the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (the Act) and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989. You can buy copies of the Act and Regulations from the State Law Publisher, 10 William Street, Perth (08) 6552 6000.
- Getting started
- Maintenance and repairs
- Access, privacy, locks and security
- Bonds and rent
- Ending a tenancy
- Housing choices for over 55's
- Smoke alarms
- Discrimination in the rental market
Need more information or having some problems with the property owner that you can't resolve?
Contact our Call Centre on 1300 30 40 54 (National Relay Service: 13 36 77 for the hearing impaired) or email us. If you need to lodge a formal complaint with us, you can use this number or email address to obtain a complaint form, or you can access an on-line version here for you to print off and complete.
In December 2011, the Western Australian Parliament passed new laws for tenants and landlords in the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill 2011. Before the new laws commence, amendments to the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989 must be made. Consultation with all affected groups in early 2012 will occur as part of this process. A community and industry education campagin will also take place before the new laws come into operation. The new laws are anticipated to commence during the second half of 2012.