Consumer protection has reviewed the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) to identify changes that will affect landlords and tenants.
On the 26th May 2023, the WA Government announced amendments to this Act. They have endorsed proceeding with the following proposed changes:
- Tenants will be able to keep pets unless reasonable grounds exist for Landlords to refuse.
- Rent reviews (i.e. increases) will be limited to once every 12 months.
- Tenants will be able to make minor modifications with Landlord consent.
- Landlords and Tenants will be able to separately apply for release of the bond.
- Most bond and pet disputes will be referable to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection instead of the Magistrates Court.
- Landlords and Agents will not be allowed to encourage in rent bidding.
There will be no changes to the ‘without grounds termination.’ Property owners will still be able to end a tenancy without providing a specific reason.
Please note these amendments do not change the current tenancy laws, it only details recommendations for law changes.
The next step is to draft the legislative amendments and regulations. The WA Government anticipates they will be put to Parliament for approval by the end of 2023 and come into effect in the second half of 2024.
At Summit Realty, we have an Investor and Tenant Manager who can discuss your particular situation and needs. You can contact Amanda Leipold on 08 9592 8188 or AmandaL@summitrealty.com.au
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