Understanding Tenant Rights in Western Australia

As a renter in Western Australia, it's important to be informed about your rights and protections under the law. Understanding these can help navigate issues such as rent increases, evictions, and repair requests, ensuring you are treated fairly throughout your tenancy.

Tenancy Agreements and Your Rights

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, your tenancy agreement outlines the terms under which you rent and reside in a property. This legal document is crucial in determining both your obligations and your rights as a tenant.

Key Protections for Tenants

• Right to a Livable Property: Your home should be in good repair and fit for habitation.
• Privacy and Quiet Enjoyment: Landlords must respect your privacy and enter the property only under specific conditions with proper notice.
• Deposit Protection: Security deposits must be held by a third party in a bond authority.

Rent Increases

Landlords can increase rent, but conditions apply. They must issue notice in writing, and the increase can’t occur more than once every six months. It’s important to understand the process for rent increases and how to handle them if you believe they are unjust.

Repairs and Maintenance

Tenants are entitled to have repairs conducted within reasonable timeframes. An urgent repair must receive immediate attention, while less critical repairs can be scheduled but should not be neglected.

If repairs are not addressed, tenants can apply to the Consumer Protection for intervention.

Evictions

Evictions must be executed according to the law, with proper notice and legal justification. In contentious situations, eviction disputes can be resolved through the Magistrates Court of Western Australia.

The Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth) also offers some overarching consumer protection that can apply to rental situationsFair Trading Act 1987.

Categories

General Tenant Rights & Protections Tenancy Agreements & Renewals Rent, Bond & Holding Deposits Moving In & Condition Reports Ending a Tenancy & Moving Out Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Minimum Standards & Habitability Evictions & Breach Notices Co-Tenancies, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Equal Housing Access Disability Access & Reasonable Adjustments Utilities, Water & Internet Billing Public, Community & Social Housing Rent Increases & Rent Controls Privacy & Landlord Entry Rules Locks, Keys & Security Obligations Resolving Disputes & Tribunal Processes Harassment, Threats & Landlord Misconduct Boarding Houses, Rooming Houses & Lodgers Caravan Parks & Residential Parks Bond Refunds & Claims Notice Periods & Tenancy Termination Entry Condition Breaches & Compensation Tenant Advocacy & Legal Aid