Residential tenancy law reforms - Real estate industry bulletin 216

18 February 2020

Let us know your thoughts on renting in WA

On Friday 20 December 2019, Consumer Protection released a consultation paper to commence the review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.  It’s been over 10 years since tenancy laws were reviewed in Western Australia.

We encourage all real estate agents and property managers to make a submission to the review, so all views can be considered. It’s easy to have a say. You can:

• share your stories and experiences of property management in WA;
• respond to individual topics highlighted on the review page; and/or
• answer questions in the consultation paper.

The consultation paper follows the tenancy lifecycle and explores potential issues that may arise at each stage including: 

Before the tenancy

• Tenancy applications
• Landlord disclosure
• Long term tenancies
• Register of landlords

During the tenancy

• Rent increases
• Repairs and maintenance
• Keeping pets in rental premises
• Making changes to the property

Ending the tenancy

• No grounds terminations
• When landlords need to end a periodic tenancy agreement
• When tenants need to end a fixed term tenancy agreement
• Abandoned goods

Dispute resolution and offences

• Making a claim on the bond
• Resolving disputes
• Rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords

The review’s title, ‘Your House, My Home’, reflects the two key interests in any residential tenancy contract: the landlord’s house being the tenant’s home. The review explores how to change current tenancy laws to appropriately reflect and balance these interests, both now and into the future.

With the high cost of owning a home, more Western Australians than ever are renting. Tenancy laws should not only meet today’s needs but those of the future. Help make positive, lasting changes for both tenants and landlords by sharing your thoughts.

It’s easy to have your say: simply answer questions in the consultation paper, or respond to individual topics highlighted on the review page. To help generate further discussion on key issues, Consumer Protection is asking stakeholders to share their stories and experiences of renting in Western Australia.

Further information about the review, including how to share your thoughts or to make a formal submission can be found on the Consumer Protection website.

The closing date for submissions is 1 May 2020.

Have your say today!