- Reforms to tenancy laws strengthen protections for renters and provide more clarity for landlords
- More funding provided to support Commissioner determinations as part of 2024-25 State Budget
- Frequency of rent increases limited to once every 12 months
- Rent bidding prohibited, adverts must state fixed amount
The Cook Labor Government has committed extra funding to support streamlined dispute resolution for renters and property owners, as part of the implementation of Western Australia's reformed tenancy laws that have now passed State Parliament.
The $8.9 million in funding, included in the 2024-25 State Budget, will support the Consumer Protection Commissioner to perform their enhanced role in the dispute resolution processes, including for disputes over bond payments, tenant applications to keep pets and minor modifications.
Currently, all tenancy matters are heard by the Magistrates Court and both landlords and tenants have reported that this current process can be onerous and intimidating. The changes coming into effect will streamline the process for disputes and bond releases by allowing for the Commissioner to make determinations on such matters in the first instance.
Under the new changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, rent bidding will be banned and the frequency of rent increases will be limited to once every 12 months, instead of six months. Tenants will also be able to challenge retaliatory action by landlords, keep pets and make minor modifications.
Changes to prohibit rent bidding and retaliatory action will commence shortly. Rules around rent increases, minor modifications, dispute resolution by the Commissioner and keeping pets are expected to come into effect towards the middle of this year, while the new bond release process will take effect early to mid-2025.
Detailed information on each new law is available on the Consumer Protection website at: https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/wa-rent-reforms
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Given the current market conditions, we know some tenants in Western Australia are doing it tough - that's why my Government is acting to take the pressure off and provide more stability and certainty.
"These reforms will help thousands of Western Australians to feel more at home in their rental properties and know that rent rises will be restricted to once every twelve months, instead of every six months.
"Now that the legislation has passed Parliament, we are providing $8.9 million through our upcoming State Budget to establish an improved dispute resolution process for both owners and renters.
"We're also focused on delivering initiatives such as our reforms to short-term rental accommodation, to boost supply and help bring more houses onto the rental market."
Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Sue Ellery:
"The Cook Government has delivered in providing stronger tenancy protections with the passing of these landmark reforms that will allow thousands of WA renters to feel more at home in their rental properties.
"Securing $8.9 million in funding through the 2024-25 State Budget that will ensure the important work the Commissioner is now overseeing has the support needed. Avoiding matters through the Magistrates Court will make this process easier for both owners and renters.
"These landmark reforms work to find a balance between the rights of tenants and landlords.
"The new 12-month minimum period between rent increases allows landlords and tenants time to plan their budgets and assess the affordability of the rental premises for the coming year.
"These reforms are a top priority for the Cook Government and work will begin immediately towards implementing them."
Comments attributed to Housing Minister John Carey:
"Our reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 will strengthen protections for tenants while providing certainty for landlords, industry, and potential investors in the rental market.
"The new laws will strike a balance between improving the rights of tenants, while also improving the rights of mum and dad investors.
"It's disappointing that the Liberal-National alliance opposed these commonsense changes that were widely welcomed by tenants and industry.
"We also continue to deliver significant investment in housing and associated support, particularly for those who are most vulnerable."
