Landlord Guide to Renting in Western Australia

All residential tenancies in WA must be documented in writing using the prescribed Form 1AA tenancy agreement. The landlord must provide the tenant with a signed copy of the agreement and the tenant information sheet before the tenancy begins. Both fixed-term and periodic agreements are permitted.

• Written tenancy agreements must use the prescribed Form 1AA
• Landlord must give the tenant a signed copy plus the prescribed information sheet
• Fixed-term and periodic agreements are both permitted
• Any terms inconsistent with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 are void

The maximum bond a landlord may collect in WA is four weeks' rent. The bond must be lodged with the Bond Administrator within 14 days of receipt. A property condition report must be completed at the start and end of the tenancy.

• Maximum bond: 4 weeks' rent
• Bond must be lodged with the Bond Administrator within 14 days
• A property condition report (Form 1) must be completed at the start of the tenancy
• Bond may cover unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, and cleaning costs

Landlords in WA must disclose certain information before or at the time the tenancy agreement is signed. This includes material facts about the property and any matters affecting the tenant's use and enjoyment.

• Property condition report must be completed and signed by both parties
• Disclosure of any known health or safety hazards (e.g., asbestos, lead paint)
• Disclosure of any strata by-laws that affect the tenant
• Notice of any pending sale, demolition, or significant works to the property

Landlords must offer at least one reasonably available fee-free method of rent payment. Rent in advance is limited to two weeks. Receipts must be given for any cash payments within three business days.

• At least one fee-free rent payment method must be offered
• Maximum rent in advance: 2 weeks
• Receipts must be provided for cash payments within 3 business days
• A landlord may not require a tenant to pay rent by a single designated method only

Landlords must maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair and in a condition fit for habitation. Emergency repairs must be attended to as soon as practicable. For non-urgent repairs, the landlord should respond within a reasonable time.

• Landlord must keep the property in a reasonable state of repair throughout the tenancy
• Emergency repairs (e.g., gas leak, burst pipes, major electrical fault) must be addressed as soon as possible
• Tenant may arrange emergency repairs up to the prescribed limit if the landlord cannot be contacted
• Non-urgent repairs should be completed within a reasonable time after notification

A landlord may enter the property only in circumstances allowed by the Act and must provide the correct notice period. The 2024 amendments introduced additional entry restrictions.

• Routine inspections: no more than once every 3 months, with at least 7 days' and no more than 14 days' notice
• Entry for repairs: at least 72 hours' notice
• Entry in an emergency: no notice required
• Entry between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm on weekdays, or at a time agreed with the tenant

Rent may be increased no more than once every 12 months. The landlord must give at least 60 days' written notice of the increase. A tenant may apply to the Magistrates Court if they believe the increase is excessive.

• Maximum one rent increase per 12-month period
• At least 60 days' written notice required
• During a fixed-term agreement, rent may only be increased if the method or amount is specified in the agreement
• Tenant may apply to the Magistrates Court for a determination on excessive increases

Notice periods in WA were updated in 2024. The required notice depends on whether the tenancy is periodic or fixed-term and the reason for termination.

• Landlord ending a periodic tenancy (without grounds): 60 days' notice (updated 2024)
• Tenant ending a periodic tenancy: 21 days' notice
• End of fixed-term tenancy: 30 days' notice by the landlord if not renewing
• Non-payment of rent: 14 days' notice to remedy

A landlord cannot forcibly remove a tenant without a court order. If the tenant does not vacate after receiving a valid termination notice, the landlord must apply to the Magistrates Court for a possession order.

• Self-help evictions (e.g., changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal
• Landlord must apply to the Magistrates Court for a termination and possession order
• The court may grant immediate termination for serious breaches, including property damage or illegal activity
• Possession orders are enforced by a bailiff

At the end of the tenancy, both parties should complete a final condition report for comparison with the initial report. The landlord or tenant then applies to the Bond Administrator for the bond refund. Disputes may be referred to the Magistrates Court.

• A final property condition report should be completed at end of tenancy
• Bond disposal form must be lodged with the Bond Administrator
• If both parties agree, the bond is refunded accordingly
• Disputed claims may be referred to the Magistrates Court for determination