Western Australia Rental Reform Act — Western Australia Laws (2026)
About this article
Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Residential tenancy in Australia is legislated by each state and territory — the Commonwealth Parliament does not have a specific head of power over landlord-tenant law under section 51 of the Australian Constitution. Western Australia's Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (WA) overhauls the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), introducing pet-keeping rules, modifications, frequency limits on rent increases, and a release of bond procedure.
This federal page is a framing stub. Open the region picker below and select Western Australia for the operative Act and Consumer Protection WA pathway.
When does it apply?
- You rent residential property in Western Australia and want to understand the 2024 reform.
- You are a lessor or property manager in WA needing to comply.
What should you do?
- Open the Western Australia variation below for the operative Act, commencement dates, and Consumer Protection WA pathway.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume Commonwealth law governs WA tenancies — the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) is state law.
How Western Australia differs from federal law
The Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (WA) rewrote the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) in two phases — Phase 1 on 16 May 2024 (rent bidding ban, retaliatory action protections, frequency-of-increase cap) and Phase 2 on 29 July 2024 (pets, modifications, Commissioner determinations, streamlined bond release). Together they bring WA closer to the protections in NSW and Vic but stop short of abolishing 'without grounds' periodic termination (a further reform stage is foreshadowed).
- Rent bidding banned (Phase 1). Landlords and agents must advertise at a fixed rent and cannot solicit, invite, or accept offers above that figure; tenants cannot be pressured or rewarded for offering more.
- Rent increases — once every 12 months (s 30). Written notice must be given at least 60 days before the increased rent is payable and not less than 12 months after the tenancy commenced or the last increase took effect.
- Pet bond — $350 cap, no double bond (s 27 + s 29). The maximum pet bond is $350 (covers pet damage and fumigation), and a landlord cannot demand any additional rent or top-up bond as a condition of allowing a pet; the 4-week aggregate bond cap in s 29 still applies.
- Commissioner determinations for pets & modifications. A renter can apply directly to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection if a landlord refuses a pet or minor modification; the Commissioner can authorise it on conditions.
- Streamlined bond release. Any party (tenant, landlord, or agent) can lodge a bond release application; if disputed, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection — not the Magistrates Court — makes the decision.
Additional Steps in Western Australia
Lodge complaints or bond applications with Consumer Protection WA (1300 304 054 / consumerprotection.wa.gov.au). Tenant advocacy: Tenancy WA (1300 858 859 / tenancywa.org.au). Disputed bond decisions can be reviewed by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT).
Relevant Law: Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), ss 27, 29, 30 and new Part VA; Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (WA) — Phase 1 commenced 16 May 2024, Phase 2 commenced 29 July 2024
Common Questions
What is the rental reform act — western australia right in Australia?
Residential tenancy in Australia is legislated by each state and territory — the Commonwealth Parliament does not have a specific head of power over landlord-tenant law under section 51 of the Australian Constitution. Western Australia's Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (WA) overhauls the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), introducing pet-keeping rules, modifications, frequency limits on rent increases, and a release of bond procedure.This federal page is a framing stub. Open the region picker below and select Western Australia for the operative Act and Consumer Protection WA pathway...
When does rental reform act — western australia apply?
You rent residential property in Western Australia and want to understand the 2024 reform.You are a lessor or property manager in WA needing to comply.
What should I do about rental reform act — western australia?
Open the Western Australia variation below for the operative Act, commencement dates, and Consumer Protection WA pathway.
What mistakes should I avoid with rental reform act — western australia?
Don't assume Commonwealth law governs WA tenancies — the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) is state law.