WA Tenancy Info

Renting in Western Australia

If you have any questions or problems with your rental, you can find important information in Renting a home in WA: The essential guide, which provides you with advice and information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.

The tenant rents residential premises from a landlord. The tenant is given possession of the premises as the tenant's home, with the same rights of privacy, peace and quiet to which a home owner is entitled. The tenant must also abide by the requirements of the Residential Tenancies Act.

The tenant must pay the rent on time, keep the premises clean, repair damage caused by the tenant or guests and abide with all the conditions included in the tenancy agreement. The tenant must also notify the landlord of any maintenance or repairs that are required to be carried out.

Do you have questions about any of the below?

• Getting your bond back
• Rent increases
• Eviction
• Ending a tenancy

The information is relevant to most type of rentals, including flats, units, houses, and park homes.

Information for landlords can be found in the business section under Landlords & Owners.

Important information relating to the changes to the residential tenancies regulations 1989.

Can't find the information you're looking for? Call Department of Consumer & Employment Protection centre on 1300 30 40 54, or send an email to consumer@docep.wa.gov.au.

Never sign anything if you are not sure of its meaning.

Before the commencement of the tenancy agreement the agent or lessor must provide, or advise you of how to obtain, a copy of the Consumer Affairs Bureau booklet The Renting Book (you can download it from the Department of Fair Trading website).

This booklet is a general guide to a person’s rights and responsibilities as a tenant, property owner or real estate agent.

When you enter into a tenancy agreement (including oral agreements) you are entering into a legally binding relationship. Tenants and lessors should think carefully before entering into a tenancy agreement as once the agreement is made it is too late to change your mind.

When a lessor grants a tenant a right to occupy a property to use as a residential property, both parties have entered into a residential tenancy agreement.

A residential tenancy agreement can be written or oral or a combination of both. However, it is advisable that all tenancy agreements be in writing to avoid any confusion that may arise as it is very hard to prove what information was included as part of an oral agreement.