Infringements for tenants

Last updated: 19 November 2024

The Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (the Act) defines the rights and responsibilities of tenants. Failing to meet certain responsibilities can result in the Department issuing an infringement notice (also referred to as a modified penalty) or prosecuting offending tenants before a Court.

Only a Court can issue the penalties listed in each Act, but where the Department believes there is sufficient basis for a belief that an offence was committed it may issue an Infringement Notice. The current maximum penalty for an Infringement Notice can be as high as $4,000.

Tenants should read the following lists of infringements in context with the full provisions of the Act and Regulations.

Offences under the Act.

The following table outlines offences for which an infringement notice may be given under the Act.

Prescribed offences and modified penalties
Offences under Residential Tenancies Act 1987
Residential Tenancies Regulations 1989 Schedule 5
Modified penalty
s. 45(3)Failling to give lessor copy of key within 7 days*
*Other than if lessor is alleged perpetrator
$1,000
s. 53(1)Giving false name or place of employment$1,000
s. 53(2)Failing to notify lessor of new place of employment$1,000
s. 53(3)Failing to provide forwarding address on vacating premises$1,000
s. 59F(1)Altering, removing or adding lock without consent*
*With exceptions in the case of family and domestic violence
$1,000

Go to the Western Australian Legislation website: Residential Tenancies Act 1987 https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/law_a693.html