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WA rolls out new rent reforms
Western Australia Consumer Protection has announced reforms to the rental bond release system, streamlining the process to better align with modern rental expectations.
Under the new reforms, a tenant, property manager, or landlord will be able to apply for the release of the bond, with the other parties then notified and given the chance to agree to or dispute the claim.
When tenants or landlords wished to dispute a bond claim, the application would be referred to a Commissioner Determination.
Commerce minister Tony Buti said the reforms would make the bond release process simpler and less stressful for tenants and landlords.
“For the first time, tenants themselves can apply to have their bond released, giving them the same opportunity as a landlord to start the bond release when a tenancy ends.”
“By introducing Commissioner determinations for bond disputes, we are reducing the number of matters that end up in the Magistrate’s Court, saving Western Australians and the court system time, money and unnecessary pressure.”
“We will do everything we can to reduce cost-of-living pressures on Western Australians, so if they are owed money, they get it returned as quickly as possible.”
Additionally, Consumer Protections made changes to increase landlords’ protections regarding tenants' ability to keep pets on the property.
Landlords have had the maximum amount they can require as a pet bond increased to $350, while having an additional reason to refuse a pet request.
A landlord can now refuse a tenant's request if they can demonstrate that allowing a pet would cause undue hardship to another tenant.
The change comes as the latest in the Western Australian government’s rental reforms to enhance the protections of both landlords and tenants across the industry.