Rent Increases, Modifications and Pets the Focus of Phase 2 WA Rent Reforms
Restrictions on rent increases, greater freedom for tenants to complete modifications and new rules for pets are part of the Phase 2 Rental Reforms that took effect in Western Australia in July.
The new laws are part of the State Government’s new Residential Tenancies Act (RTA), which was announced earlier this year and is being introduced in three phases.
Phase 1 of the RTA was implemented in May, which included prohibiting the practice of rent bidding, with landlords and property managers unable to pressure or encourage tenants to offer more than the advertised rent.
Phase 2 was implemented on July 29 and included changes to 3 main areas, including the frequency of rent increases, the types of modifications tenants can make to a rental and greater power for tenants to keep pets.
Rent Choice General Manager, Clare Christiansen said both tenants and landlords would be impacted under the new laws.
“These are the biggest reforms to the WA rental sector in more than 3 decades,” she said.
“Our team has completed comprehensive training on the new laws so if you have any queries, make sure to contact your property manager directly for a chat.”
To help you better understand the changes, here’s a quick overview.
Rent Increases
Under the new reforms, rent can only be increased once every 12 months. This rule will apply once the current lease term ends for existing fixed-term tenancies. This change aims to provide greater stability and predictability for tenants while ensuring landlords can adjust rent reasonably.
Pets and Minor Modifications
Tenants are now allowed to keep pets and make minor modifications, in most cases, with landlord permission. Here's how it works:
- Seeking Permission: Tenants must use an approved form to request permission for pets or minor modifications.
- Timeframes: Landlords have set timeframes to respond to these requests.
- Pet Bond: The scope of the pet bond will be increased to cover potential damage, but this change will not take effect until the new bond disposal process is enacted in early 2025.
Dispute Resolution
If tenants and landlords disagree about pets or minor modifications, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection will review the applications and make an independent ruling. This process ensures fair and impartial decisions for both parties.
Our Commitment to You
Rest assured, our team at Rent Choice has completed thorough training on these new regulations to ensure we provide you with the best support during these transitions. We are here to help you navigate these changes smoothly.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please get in touch with your property manager directly. We are committed to supporting you during this period of change.
