Western Australia Landlord-Tenant Laws: Complete Guide for Property Owners
Comprehensive overview of WA rental property laws including security bonds, eviction procedures, rent increases, disclosures, and maintenance obligations.
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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.
Key Western Australia Rental Laws at a Glance
Security Bonds
The security bond is capped at a maximum of four weeks' rent for properties where the weekly rent is less than $1,200. For properties where rent is $1,200 or more per week, there is no statutory cap. Landlords may also request a pet bond of up to $260 for pets capable of carrying parasites that could affect humans.
All bonds must be lodged with the government Bond Administrator within 14 days of receipt, not held personally by the landlord. At the end of the tenancy, both parties sign a joint disposal form to release the bond. If there is a dispute, either party can apply to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection or the Magistrates Court.
For more detail, see our Security Deposits deep dive.
Rent Increases Following the 2024 reforms, rent can only be increased once every 12 months for both fixed-term and periodic tenancies. Landlords must provide at least 60 days' written notice using the approved Form 10. There is currently no cap on the amount of the increase, but the frequency limit provides tenants with more predictability.
For fixed-term leases, rent can only be increased during the term if the lease specifically defines the amount or method of calculation.
For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.
Eviction Procedures Western Australia distinguishes between several termination scenarios:
No-Fault Termination
- Periodic tenancy: 60 days' written notice.
- End of fixed-term: 30 days' written notice before the end date.
Breach-Based Termination
- Non-payment of rent: 14-day breach notice, then 7-day termination notice if unpaid.
- Other lease violations: 14-day breach notice to rectify, then 7-day termination notice if not remedied.
Other Grounds
- Sale of property (vacant possession): 30 days' notice.
- Property destroyed or uninhabitable: 7 days' notice.
Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal. Landlords must apply to the Magistrates Court for a formal possession order.
For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.
Required Disclosures Western Australia requires landlords to provide a detailed Property Condition Report (PCR) within 7 days of the tenant moving in. The tenant has 7 days to review, annotate, and return it. This report is critical for bond disputes at the end of the tenancy.
While WA does not have an extensive list of mandatory state disclosures like some other jurisdictions, landlords and their agents are prohibited from misleading or deceiving tenants under the Australian Consumer Law. Material facts about the property—such as health hazards, structural issues, or proximity to major noise sources—should be disclosed.
For more detail, see our Required Disclosures guide.
Maintenance and Habitability
Landlords must maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair and ensure it is fit for habitation. The Act sets strict timeframes for repairs:
- Urgent repairs to essential services (burst pipes, gas leaks, electrical faults): 24 hours.
- Other urgent repairs (risk of injury or property damage): 48 hours.
- Non-urgent repairs: Within a reasonable time.
If a landlord fails to address urgent repairs within the timeframe, the tenant can arrange for a qualified tradesperson to carry out the repairs and seek reimbursement from the landlord.
For more detail, see our Maintenance Obligations guide.
Late Fees Western Australia does not permit landlords to charge late fees or interest on overdue residential rent. Persistent non-payment of rent may lead to breach notices and eventual eviction proceedings, but cannot be penalised with additional fees.
For more detail, see our Late Fees guide.
Getting Started with Compliance
Managing rental compliance in Western Australia requires careful attention to bond lodgement timelines, property condition reports, and the new 12-month rent increase frequency limit. Landager helps landlords stay organised with automated reminders, digital condition reports, and lease management tools tailored to Australian tenancy law.
Explore more Western Australia compliance topics:
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