Guide to Rooming & Boarding Houses in WA

Navigating the world of rooming and boarding houses in Western Australia can be complex, but understanding your rights and obligations as a renter can make the experience smoother. In WA, these accommodations are covered by specific laws designed to protect both renters and landlords, offering a framework that ensures fairness and transparency.

Understanding Rooming and Boarding Houses

Rooming and boarding houses are shared living spaces where individuals rent a room and have access to shared facilities like bathrooms and kitchens. These accommodations are commonly found in urban areas across Western Australia, providing affordable housing options for many. Knowing how these arrangements work can help in making informed decisions about renting such a space.

Legal Protections

In Western Australia, the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 governs tenant rights and responsibilities. The Act outlines the legal framework for rooming and boarding agreements, ensuring protection against unfair practices. It's essential to be familiar with this Act to understand your rights concerning leases, rent increases, and disputes.

Rooming House Operators' Responsibilities

Operators of boarding houses have specific responsibilities to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their tenants, such as maintaining the property, ensuring basic amenities are available, and following health and safety regulations. If issues arise, renters can contact the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), which oversees accommodation standards and disputes.

Common Issues and How to Address Them

  • Rent Increases: Rent increases must follow the guidelines set out in your rental agreement and must be communicated with proper notice as per the Residential Tenancies Act.
  • Maintenance Requests: Tenants should notify operators in writing of any repairs needed. The landlord is obligated to address necessary repairs in a timely manner.
  • Dispute Resolution: For unresolved issues, renters can escalate matters to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) for resolution.

Forms and Resources

Several official forms are available for tenants and landlords dealing with rooming accommodations. An example is a "Notice to Terminate", which tenants can use if they wish to end their stay. It is crucial to follow the proper steps and use the right forms, which can be found on the Consumer Protection WA website, to avoid disputes or legal issues.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

If you require additional support, consider reaching out to these resources:


  1. What is a rooming or boarding house?
    A rooming or boarding house is shared accommodation where tenants rent a room and share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.
  2. What should I do if I receive a rent increase notice?
    You should review the terms of your rental agreement and ensure that the rent increase follows the guidelines set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 1987. If you believe it is inappropriate, consider reaching out to the DMIRS or seeking legal advice.
  3. How can I resolve a dispute with my rooming house operator?
    If an issue arises that cannot be resolved through direct communication, you can apply to the State Administrative Tribunal for assistance in resolving the dispute.
Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights Australia

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.