Not sure what your legal responsibilities are as a landlord in WA? This plain English guide covers everything you need to know, from bonds to repairs to entry rights.

Being a landlord in Western Australia comes with real legal responsibilities. The good news is that once you understand them, they're not as complicated as they seem. The bad news is that getting them wrong can be expensive.

Whether you're a first-time investor in Baldivis or a seasoned landlord with multiple properties across Rockingham and Secret Harbour, this guide covers the key obligations you need to know under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA).

1. Bond Lodgement

When a tenant pays a security bond, you must lodge it with the Bond Administrator (through the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) within days of receiving it. You cannot hold the bond yourself. The maximum bond you can charge is four weeks' rent.

Failure to lodge the bond correctly is one of the most common compliance mistakes WA landlords make and it can result in fines.

2. Entry Notices

As a landlord, you cannot simply walk into your rental property whenever you like. WA law requires you to give the correct notice depending on the reason for entry:

• Routine inspection: at least 7 days' written notice (maximum 4 inspections per year)• Repairs or maintenance: at least 72 hours' notice• Showing the property to prospective tenants: at least 72 hours' notice• Emergency: no notice required

Always keep written records of every entry notice you issue.

3. Repairs and Maintenance

You are legally required to keep the property in a reasonable state of repair. Urgent repairs, such as a burst pipe, broken heating in winter, or a gas leak, must be addressed immediately. Non-urgent repairs should be attended to within a reasonable timeframe (generally within 14 days of being notified).

If you fail to carry out urgent repairs, tenants have the right to arrange them and deduct the cost from rent.

4. Rent Increases

You cannot increase rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease agreement specifically allows for it. For periodic tenancies, you must give at least 60 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.

As of 2024, there are no limits on how much you can increase rent in WA, but increases must still be reasonable and defensible.

5. Ending a Tenancy

Ending a tenancy in WA requires the correct written notice depending on the situation:

• End of fixed term (not renewing): 30 days' notice before the end of the lease• Periodic tenancy (no reason required): 60 days' notice• Breach of lease by tenant: specific notices apply depending on the breach

Using the wrong notice, or giving insufficient notice, can invalidate the termination and leave you in a difficult legal position.

6. Condition Reports

A signed condition report must be completed at the start of every tenancy. This document records the state of the property before the tenant moves in and is critical for resolving any disputes about damage at the end of the tenancy.

Without a valid condition report, it is very difficult to make a successful bond claim.

The Easiest Way to Stay Compliant? Use a Professional Property Manager.

Keeping up with WA tenancy law changes, issuing the correct notices, and handling bond lodgements correctly takes time and knowledge. One mistake can cost far more than a year's worth of management fees.

At Resident Property, compliance is built into everything we do. Deborah and the team stay up to date with every change to WA tenancy legislation so you don't have to.

If you'd like to chat about how we manage compliance for our landlords in Baldivis, Rockingham and surrounding suburbs, book a free 15-minute consultation at residentproperty.com.au or call Deborah on 0429 165 552.

Disclaimer: This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified property lawyer or the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (WA).