How to Navigate Rooming & Boarding Houses in WA

Living in a rooming or boarding house in Western Australia comes with specific rights and responsibilities. Understanding these can help you effectively manage issues like rent increases, evictions, and repairs. This article outlines step-by-step guidance on navigating your stay in rooming and boarding houses in WA, ensuring you know how to protect your rights.

Understanding Your Rights and Obligations

In Western Australia, the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 governs the conditions of renting, which also extends to rooming and boarding houses. Under this Act, it's essential for both landlords and tenants to understand their obligations. For instance, landlords must keep the premises reasonably clean and in a state of repair. As a tenant, you have the right to a secure and habitable dwelling.

Rent Increases

The process for rent increases must adhere to the terms outlined in the lease. Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term agreement unless stipulated in the contract. Tenants should receive at least 60 days' notice of any rent increase, provided through a formal document.

Dealing with Evictions

If you face an eviction notice, it must be in writing and specify the reason for eviction. Common reasons might include breach of agreement or landlord’s intention to use the property for other purposes. You can challenge an eviction notice at the Magistrates Court of Western Australia if you believe it's unfair or unlawful.

Requesting Repairs and Maintenance

It's your landlord's responsibility to maintain the property in a livable condition. If repairs are needed, submit a written request to your landlord or property manager. In case of urgent repairs, the landlord must attend to them promptly; list urgent issues like no water supply or dangerous electrical faults separately.

Using Official Forms

• Form 1B - Notice of Intention to Vacate: Use this form to notify your landlord of your intention to vacate the premises. This form ensures documentation that you've met your obligations to provide appropriate notice.
• Form 12 - Notice to Remedy Breach: Use this form if there's a breach in the rental agreement by the landlord, such as failure to address repairs. It formally requests the landlord to fix the breach within 14 days.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Consumer Protection: Information about renting laws and dispute resolution.
• Tenancy WA: Offers advice and tenancy rights information.
• Magistrates Court of Western Australia: For residential tenancy dispute resolution.

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1. What should I do if I receive an eviction notice? You should review the notice, check the validity and reason, and consider contacting the Magistrates Court to dispute it if necessary.
2. How can I request urgent repairs? Contact your landlord immediately for urgent repairs. If they fail to respond, consider seeking assistance from Tenancy WA.
3. Can my rent be increased during my tenancy? Rent can only be increased with 60 days' formal notice and if it's stipulated in your tenancy agreement.

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