Landlord rules in Western Australia
What the law asks of a self-managing landlord in Western Australia — the notice periods, the caps and the deadlines, each one linked to the official Consumer Protection (WA) page it came from.
Who governs renting in WA
Western Australia is managed by Consumer Protection (WA) under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA). Rules verified against the regulator. General information — not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.
The nine questions WA landlords ask
How much notice do I need to give for a routine inspection?
Routine inspection — 7 to 14 days' written notice (Form 19); maximum 4 per year. You can generate the Form 19 (entry notice) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.
Statutory basis: RTA 1987 (WA) s 46(2)(b),(3)
Source: Routine inspection ↗
How often can I increase the rent, and how much notice do I give?
Rent increase — once every 12 months; at least 60 days' written notice (Form 10). You can generate the Form 10 (rent increase) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.
Statutory basis: RTA 1987 (WA) s 30(1)
Source: Rent increase ↗
How far behind does the rent have to be before I can issue a breach notice?
Rent arrears — a Form 21 breach notice can issue the day after rent falls due; 14 days to pay, then Form 1A (7 days). You can generate the Form 21 breach (14 days to pay) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.
Statutory basis: RTA 1987 (WA) s 62(4),(5)
Source: Rent arrears ↗
How much bond can I take, and how is it lodged?
Bond — max 4 weeks' rent (cap n/a if rent over $1,200/wk); pet bond max $350; lodge with the Bond Administrator.
Statutory basis: RTA 1987 (WA) s 29
Source: Bond ↗
What are my smoke alarm obligations?
Smoke alarms — mains-powered, compliant, under 10 years old; plus 2 RCDs on the switchboard. You can generate the Smoke alarm check from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.
Source: Smoke alarms ↗
What minimum standards does the property have to meet?
Minimum standards — specific safety items required (alarms, RCDs, door/window locks); broad habitability standards are Phase 2 (not yet law).
Source: Minimum standards ↗
How do I end a tenancy at the end of the fixed term?
Ending a tenancy — without-grounds termination still lawful (60 days, Form 1C); sale requiring vacant possession 30 days. You can generate the Form 1C (termination) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.
Statutory basis: RTA 1987 (WA) ss 64, 63
Source: Ending a tenancy ↗
What counts as an urgent repair, and what must I do about it?
Urgent repairs — essential services within 24 hours, other urgent repairs 48 hours; tenant may arrange and recover a reasonable expense.
Source: Urgent repairs ↗
Can I refuse a tenant's pet request?
In Western Australia, respond to a written pet request within 14 days. To refuse you must apply to Commissioner for Consumer Protection; if you don't respond within 14 days consent is taken to be given. A separate pet bond of up to $350 is allowed. Decisions the tenant disputes are heard by Commissioner for Consumer Protection. Use the app's pet annexure + decision letter to record it properly.
Source: Western Australia — pet rules ↗
What's changed recently in WA
Source: consumerprotection.wa.gov.au ↗
How LandlordMate handles it
How does my tenant pay rent?
Rent lives on the Rent page — see who's paid and record payments. Your tenant pays your bank account directly (transfer or PayID, matched by reference); LandlordMate never touches the money, it just keeps the record.
Source: How-to · Rent ↗
How do I screen an applicant?
Applicants and their checks live on Screening — compare them, run the background check, and send a good prospect an application link.
Source: How-to · Screening ↗
How do I advertise a vacancy?
Open the property and turn on the listing bridge — you get a public link and a private enquiries inbox to paste into realestate.com.au or share directly. Your contact details stay private.
Source: How-to · Open a property ↗
How do I get my EOFY pack for my accountant?
Reports has your monthly owner statement and EOFY pack — export CSV or OFX (imports into Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks) or email the pack to your accountant.
Source: How-to · Reports ↗
Other states and territories
The rules differ in every one — a notice period that is right in WA is wrong two borders over. Queensland · New South Wales · Victoria · South Australia · Tasmania · Australian Capital Territory · Northern Territory