Renting in Western Australia: bond, rent and notice

The bond

• Cap: up to 4 weeks’ rent, unless the rent is over $1,200 a week (the page does not state a cap for rents above that).
• Pet bond: up to $350 for fumigation and pet-related damage in a residential tenancy (up to $250 for fumigation only in residential parks). No pet bond can be required for assistance animals.
• Where it is held: the landlord or agent must lodge the bond with Bonds Administration, within 14 days of the tenant paying. Bonds Administration holds the money until the end of the tenancy. If you have had no record of payment within a month of paying, contact Bonds Administration on 1300 30 40 54.
• Pet bond increases: an existing pet bond can only be raised to the new amount at the next rent increase or when an additional pet is approved. For any other bond top-up, check the current rules with Consumer Protection.

Condition reports

The landlord must complete a property condition report before you move in and give you two copies within 7 days of moving in. You return one completed copy within 7 days of receiving it. At the end, the landlord must inspect again, complete a report and give you a copy within 14 days of you moving out.

Rent increases

• No more than once every 12 months (it was 6 months before the 2024 reforms).
• At least 60 days’ notice on Form 10 (Form RP10 in residential parks, Form 11 where rent is calculated by income), stating the amount and the day it takes effect.
• In a fixed term, the agreement must state the increase or how it is calculated.
• If the rules are not followed, you do not have to pay the increase. You can negotiate first, then apply to the Magistrates Court to argue against an increase or ask for a reduction.

Rent bidding (being pressured to pay more than the advertised rent) is banned.

Ending a tenancy

WA still has a “no grounds” route. Consumer Protection’s table lists:

The Consumer Protection reform page says a second phase will replace terminations without grounds with a list of reasonable grounds, and lists minimum standards for rental homes as a phase-two matter. It gives no start date, so treat both as intentions, not the rule in force.

A fixed term becomes periodic when its end date passes, unless a new fixed term is signed or a notice has been given. A landlord cannot end a tenancy in retaliation for you exercising your rights (for example, requesting repairs or challenging a rent increase). A landlord must never force you out or change the locks without a court order. If an eviction would cause hardship you can ask for up to 30 days’ delay.

Entry

Written notice on Form 19, stating the reason, is required. Entry hours are 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 5 pm on Saturdays, or another time agreed with you. You can refuse entry if it is outside those times, on a public holiday, or without proper written notice.

• Routine inspection: no more than four a year, with 7 to 14 days’ written notice.
• Non-urgent repairs or maintenance: 72 hours’ written notice.
• Prospective tenants: showings can start within 21 days of the current tenant moving out.
• Prospective buyers: written notice is required.
• Urgent work: immediate access.

Pets

Tenants can usually keep a pet but need the landlord’s permission first, using the Pet Request Form (Form 25). The landlord has 14 days, from the day after receiving the form, to decide. If they do not respond at all, you can keep the pet. A refusal or special conditions need the Commissioner’s approval for most grounds (unsuitable premises, too many pets, likely damage above the bond, an unacceptable health or safety risk, undue hardship to the landlord or other tenants, or a dangerous dog). Breach of a law or strata rule is a ground that does not need approval.

Which professional to consult

A property manager or real estate agent usually runs the tenancy. For a dispute or an eviction notice, a tenant advocacy service or community legal centre can explain the published rules, and Consumer Protection takes enquiries on 1300 30 40 54. This guide states the rules and is not legal advice.