Western Australia Security Bond Laws: Limits, Lodgement, and Returns
Complete guide to WA security bond laws including the 4-week limit, pet bonds, Bond Administrator lodgement, and dispute resolution processes.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), which commenced on 1 July 1989, Western Australia's security bond system is unique in Australia because all bonds must be held by a government-administered body—the Bond Administrator—rather than by the landlord or property manager. This provides strong protection for tenants while ensuring landlords have straightforward access to funds for legitimate claims.
Bond Limits
Standard Residential Properties
For properties where the weekly rent is $1,200 or less, the maximum security bond a landlord can charge is equivalent to four weeks' rent (s. 29(2)(b)).
For properties where the weekly rent is more than $1,200, there is no statutory cap on the bond amount. However, the bond must still be lodged with the Bond Administrator.
Pet Bonds
If a tenant keeps a pet that is capable of carrying parasites transmissible to humans (e.g., dogs and cats), the landlord may request an additional pet bond of up to $350 (s. 29(1)(b)(ii)). Key rules as of 28 March 2026:
- This is a one-time amount, regardless of the number of pets.
- It cannot be charged for assistance animals.
- It is separate from the standard security bond and can be used for any pet-related damage or fumigation.
Bond Increases
A landlord can increase the security bond during a tenancy if the rent increases (s. 31). However, rent (and the associated bond) can only be increased once every 12 months (s. 30(2A)). The total bond held must not exceed the permitted limit (e.g., four weeks' rent for properties at or below the $1,200 threshold), and at least 60 days' written notice of the increase is required.
Lodging the Bond
Landlords or property managers must lodge the tenant's bond with the Bond Administrator (part of the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) within 14 days of receiving the payment (s. 29(4)).
Failure to lodge the bond with the Bond Administrator is an offence under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987.
The landlord must provide the tenant with a receipt for the bond payment and, once lodged, the Bond Administrator sends confirmation to the tenant.
Returning the Bond
At the end of the tenancy, a final property inspection is conducted using the original Property Condition Report (PCR) as a benchmark. Under the streamlined process effective 28 March 2026, the bond disposal process is as follows:
When Both Parties Agree
Any party to the bond (landlord, tenant, or agent) can now initiate an application for the bond's release independently through the Bond Administrator (Schedule 1). Once an application is lodged, the Bond Administrator notifies the other parties, who then have 14 days to either agree to the distribution or dispute the claim. If undisputed, the Bond Administrator typically returns the funds within 7 to 10 business days.
When There Is a Dispute
If a claim is disputed or the other party does not respond within 14 days:
- The Commissioner for Consumer Protection determines the dispute via a 'Commissioner Determination' (s. 11M).
- Parties are given 10 days to submit evidence to support their position once notified of the dispute.
- A party dissatisfied with the Commissioner’s Determination has a specific 7-day window to appeal the decision to the Magistrates Court (s. 11V).
Important: It is illegal for a landlord to ask a tenant to sign the bond disposal form before the tenancy has ended.
Allowable Deductions
Landlords may claim deductions from the bond for:
Best Practices for WA Landlords
- Complete a thorough PCR at move-in: Include date-stamped photos for every room. The PCR is your evidence in any bond dispute.
- Lodge bonds promptly: You have 14 days, but lodging immediately protects you from potential penalties.
- Conduct the final inspection together: Invite the tenant to attend so both parties can agree on any issues before signing the disposal form.
- Keep records: All communication regarding the bond should be documented in writing.
Sources & Official References
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What are the security deposit rules in Western Australia?
Security deposit rules in Western Australia govern how much landlords can charge, how deposits must be held or protected, and the timeline for returning deposits after a tenancy ends. Landlords must provide itemized statements of any deductions and comply with all regional and national statutory deadlines.
▶What are the key landlord-tenant laws in Western Australia?
Western Australia's rental market is governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), which sets minimum standards for residential tenancy agreements and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords (lessors) and tenants. Significant reforms took effect on 29 July 2024, strengthening tenant protections particularly around rent increases, bond disputes, and termination of tenancy. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the eviction process for landlords in Western Australia?
The eviction process in Western Australia requires landlords to follow formal legal procedures established by both regional and national law. Valid grounds typically include non-payment of rent, lease violations, or the landlord's personal use of the property. Landlords must provide proper written notice, allow any required cure periods, and may need to obtain a court or tribunal order.
Read the complete guide▶What are the rent increase rules in Western Australia?
Western Australia has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent, which may include caps on the percentage of increase, minimum notice periods, and restrictions on frequency. These rules may differ from national standards, so landlords must check regional regulations.
Read the complete guide▶What are the mandatory lease requirements in Western Australia?
Lease agreements for rental properties in Western Australia must comply with both regional and Australia national law. Required elements typically include the names of both parties, property description, rent amount and payment terms, deposit details, lease duration, and maintenance responsibility allocation.
Read the complete guide▶What are landlord maintenance obligations in Western Australia?
Landlords in Western Australia are required to maintain rental properties in a habitable condition, ensuring the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, and essential services are in proper working order. Regional laws in Western Australia may impose additional requirements beyond the national standard.
Read the complete guide▶What are the late fee rules in Western Australia?
Western Australia has specific rules regarding late fees and penalties for overdue rent. These may include mandatory grace periods, caps on fee amounts, and restrictions on interest charges. Check both regional and Australia national regulations for the applicable rules.
Read the complete guide▶What disclosures must landlords provide in Western Australia?
Landlords in Western Australia must disclose relevant property information to prospective tenants before the lease is signed. Required disclosures may include known defects, environmental hazards, previous damage, and any conditions affecting the tenant's use of the property, in compliance with both regional and national law.
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