In 2019, Consumer Protection began reviewing the Residential Tenancies Act to consider potential improvements required to keep pace with Western Australia’s changing tenancy market.

Following extensive consultation, the first phase of rent reforms was passed by Western Australian State Parliament on 16 April 2024. Consumer Protection is now developing recommendations to be presented to the Government in the second half of 2024 for Phase Two.

Phase One

WA Rent Reforms has details of the major reforms that come into effect between May 2024 and early 2025.

Phase Two

It is expected that the second phase of recommendations will be about:

• Information landlords and agents must give potential renters before offering a lease.
• Information landlords are allowed to seek from potential renters.
• Setting minimum standards for rental properties.
• Regulations around maintenance and repairs.
• Renter responsibility for wilful damage.
• Regulating boarding, lodging and room-by-room rentals.

Consultation

A Consumer Protection review of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) sought input from all sectors of the industry on key issues for reform. A Consultation Paper was published in December 2019.

The Decision Regulatory Impact Statement (or DRIS 1) details the research and feedback which led to the reforms. This was published in May 2023 and meets the objectives of the State Government's Better Regulation Program.