Disability Access for WA Renters: Your Questions Answered

Ensuring appropriate disability access in rental properties is a crucial aspect for many tenants in Western Australia (WA). For those requiring special accommodations, understanding your rights and the landlord’s obligations under WA tenancy laws is essential.

What Are Disability Access & Reasonable Adjustments?

Disability access pertains to the modifications or improvements made to a property to ensure it is usable by individuals with disabilities. Reasonable adjustments are changes or accommodations that landlords are expected to make to assist tenants with disabilities, without incurring undue hardship.

Rights Under the Residential Tenancies Act

In WA, the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 governs the rights and duties of tenants and landlords. Under this Act, landlords are required to consider requests for reasonable adjustments linked to disability access.

How to Request Adjustments

If you need modifications for disability access, it's important to approach your landlord with a clear and polite request. This might include widening doorways, installing ramps, or adding handrails.

Prepare to provide medical documentation supporting your request, as landlords might require this to validate the need.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some common questions regarding disability access:

1. What if my landlord refuses my request for adjustments? You can contact the Consumer Protection WA for guidance and potentially apply to the Magistrates Court of WA for a resolution.
2. Who bears the cost of making adjustments? Costs are generally a matter of negotiation. However, landlords are expected to make reasonable modifications without causing undue hardship.
3. Can I make urgent repairs related to disability access? Some changes may qualify as urgent repairs, allowing you to act swiftly. Understand your rights under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.

Resources for WA Renters

For additional information or assistance, contact the below organizations:

• Consumer Protection WA: Provides information and assistance on tenancy issues.
• WA Equal Opportunity Commission: Offers guidance on anti-discrimination law and practice.
• WA Industrial Relations Commission: Handles disputes regarding workplace rights, including disability access.

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