Home buyer / owner

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Paying rates and utilities

The following information explains what payments can be passed on from council rates, water, gas and electricity charges. Council rates Tenancy agreements from 1 July 2013 cannot make a tenant liable for paying council rates. For a tenancy agreement prior to 1 July 2013 that has not been renewed,...
Rent and other payments
12 Feb 2014

Renting with pets

If the tenant is permitted to keep pets capable of carrying parasites which can affect humans, a pet bond may be charged. The pet bond can only be applied to the cost of any fumigation of the premises that may be required at the termination of the tenancy. Lessors/agents must lodge the security...
Bonds
12 Feb 2014

Releasing or claiming a bond (Bond disposal)

At the end of a tenancy, bond money will only be paid out if: all tenants and the lessor agree; a court order is obtained from a magistrate for a residential tenancy agreement; or an order is obtained from the State Administrative Tribunal for a residential parks long-stay tenancy agreement...
Bonds
12 Feb 2014

Changing a bond (Bond variation)

A security bond may need to be changed/varied because: additional bond money needs to be lodged with the Bonds Administration, for example because the rent has been increased; one or more of the tenants in a shared household has moved out or a new tenant has moved in; the ownership of the property...
Bonds
12 Feb 2014

Rent inspections

The lessor (landlord or agent) has the right to carry out routine inspections on the property no more than four times a year. Inspections must be at a reasonable hour. Tenant's should receive between seven and 14 days' notice. The lessor must make a reasonable effort to negotiate a more suitable...
Security, safety, maintenance and entry rights
12 Feb 2014

Lodging a bond

Bonds must be lodged with Bonds Administration as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after a tenant/s pay. All tenants on the tenancy agreement must be named on the bond, regardless of who paid it. Bonds Administration will send a record of payment of security bond directly to the tenant...
Bonds
12 Feb 2014

Counting days

If you are serving a notice or issuing documentation (eg property condition reports), you will find certain periods of notice are required for certain actions. It is important you allow the correct number of days for the delivery of a notice because a court may determine the notice is ineffective...
Notices and condition reports
12 Feb 2014

Using rental notices

Proper procedures must be observed when serving a notice. If the matter ends up in court, the person who prepared the notice would have to prove the notice was served correctly. Three handy charts were developed to help you understand the use and service on notices, particularly for the breach and...
Notices and condition reports
12 Feb 2014

Renting a home or unit

If you are renting a home (as a tenant), or renting out an investment property (as a lessor/landlord), you have a variety of rules, rights and responsibilities. The following links will give you the information to help you understand renting laws and avoid common renting pitfalls. make sure you are...
Types of rental accommodation
11 Feb 2014

Property condition reports

Property condition reports are an important element of any residential tenancy, as they outline the current condition of the property at the start and end of a tenancy. A property condition report can also assist in resolving disputes about damage. The mandatory Form 1 Property Condition Report...
Notices and condition reports
06 Feb 2014

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Announcements

Plumbing regulation amendments – December 2016

Information about amendments to the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000 (Plumbing Regulations) that came into effect on 14 December 2016.
Building and Energy
Department News
14 Dec 2016

Home owners advised against DIY plaster testing

The Building Commission is strongly advising home owners against carrying out their own plaster testing. The advice follows recent media reports and social media posts suggesting the use of a tape adhesion or “sticky tape” test to determine whether plaster has been correctly applied. Home owners are warned that testing their own walls could damage the plaster or paint. Tests should only be...
Building and Energy
Department News
25 Oct 2016

National energy efficiency initiative

The 2016-17 financial year sees the Australian Building Codes Board embarking on a significant suite of work relating to the advancement of the Energy Efficiency Provisions in the National Construction Code (NCC). These changes will be considered as part of NCC 2019.
Building and Energy
Department News
21 Sep 2016

Audit update 1: Yuanda building products

A WA Building Commission update on its audit of Yuanda building products.
Building and Energy
Department News
01 Aug 2016

Auditor General’s report: Regulation of builders and building surveyors

A report by Auditor General Colin Murphy has assessed how well the Building Commission regulates Western Australia’s residential building industry.
Building and Energy
Department News
24 Jun 2016

New fact sheet – Roof-mounted evaporative coolers

From 8 April 2016 new roof-mounted evaporative coolers being installed on residential buildings that are located in a designated bush fire prone area must be fitted with non-combustible covers. The Building Commission has produced a new fact sheet Roof-mounted evaporative coolers to explain the risks and requirements. For further information please contact the Building Commission on 1300 489 099...
Building and Energy
Department News
11 Apr 2016

World Plumbing Day, Friday 11 March 2016

World Plumbing Day is an international event that was launched seven years ago by the World Plumbing Council, and is now held every year on 11 March. On this day, government, industry and the community come together to celebrate all things plumbing, and recognise the important role plumbers play in protecting public health and safety, as well as the environment. Plumbing is vital to global health...
Building and Energy
Department News
08 Mar 2016

Government reinforces support to building industry

A Building Industry Summit today aims to identify new red tape reductions and ways to streamline regulatory requirements for the construction of new homes, residential renovations and commercial construction.
Building and Energy
Department News
02 Feb 2016

Bushfire reform aims to save lives

The State Government has announced reforms for building in bushfire-prone areas of Western Australia. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has prepared a map which identifies the bushfire-prone areas across the State. A bushfire hazard assessment will be required for new homes in areas identified as bushfire-prone on the map. The assessment will determine the level of construction...
Building and Energy
Department News
07 Dec 2015

Commissioner's Blog: In a spin over washing machine recall

UPDATE: New advice to seek a refund or replacement has been issued since this blog was published. Please read the latest media statement: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/announcements/urgent-advice-owners-recalled-samsu... With Acting Consumer Protection Commissioner Gary Newcombe It has been more than two years since Samsung Australia recalled six models of top loading washing machines because they pose...
Consumer Protection
Department News
25 Aug 2015

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