New incentive scheme for property owners to fill empty homes

  • New $5,000 incentive to convert vacant properties into long-term rental homes
  • Scheme is the Cook Government's latest initiative to boost housing supply
  • Six-month extension for successful Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Incentive Scheme, to return even more properties to the long-term rental market

The Cook Labor Government will offer $5,000 incentives to vacant property owners to bring them onto the long-term rental market for Western Australians to lease.

Rent reforms begin with ban on bidding wars

  • Rent bidding banned in Western Australia as first stage tenancy reforms kick in
  • Undercover officers to check landlords and agents are doing the right thing
  • Stronger rights for tenants to fight back against retaliatory action by landlords

The Cook Government has delivered on the first stage of its commitment to modernise Western Australia's tenancy laws, with landlords now prohibited from soliciting rent bidding and tenants empowered to challenge retaliatory action by landlords.

Commissioner's Blog: Stage one of WA’s rent reforms are now here

Rent bidding is now banned, tenants have stronger rights to fight back against retaliatory action by landlords and undercover officers from Consumer Protection will be checking to make sure landlords and agents are doing the right thing.

Welcome to stage one of Western Australia’s Rent Reforms, which came into effect on 16 May. The changes to the Residential Tenancies Act passed through Parliament last month and here’s what it means for renters and landlords.

Funding boost for WA's tenancy reforms as they pass Parliament

  • Reforms to tenancy laws strengthen protections for renters and provide more clarity for landlords
  • More funding provided to support Commissioner determinations as part of 2024-25 State Budget
  • Frequency of rent increases limited to once every 12 months
  • Rent bidding prohibited, adverts must state fixed amount

The Cook Labor Government has committed extra funding to support streamlined dispute resolution for renters and property owners, as part of the implementation of Western Australia's reformed tenancy laws that have now passed State Parliament.

Buckle up for changes on written-off car sales

  • Car dealers will soon be required to advise buyers if the vehicles on offer had previously been written off
  • Under the new laws, dealers will face fines up to $5,000 for failing to comply  
  • New regulations follow surge in complaints from unsuspecting buyers

New regulations to protect consumers from making a purchase they may later regret will soon come into effect, with penalties coming to car dealers who fail to reveal whether they are selling written-off vehicles.

Tenancy project, financial counsellor, cruise stories scoop awards

  • Consumer Protection Awards celebrating consumer champions
  • Awards recognise individuals and groups who work to advance consumer rights in Western Australia

A project helping keep people with disabilities in their homes and a financial counsellor working with vulnerable Aboriginal communities are among the winners of the 2024 Consumer Protection Awards.

The 20th anniversary ceremony, which celebrates contributions to consumer protection in Western Australia, was held at a presentation breakfast this morning on World Consumer Rights Day.

Short stay rental reform Bill booked into Parliament

  • Stronger regulation of short-term rental accommodation a step closer with new Bill
  • Short stay rental accommodation register introduced
  • $10,000 grants creating long-term rentals for Western Australians in need of a home 

The Cook Government has today introduced a Bill into State Parliament that will provide stronger regulation of Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) in Western Australia.

Commissioner's Blog: New rules crack down on hiding a vehicle’s past

Used car buyers now have more confidence that the vehicles for sale from dealers are safe and reliable, with new regulations taking effect that help protect consumers from making a purchase they may later regret.

As of 7 June, motor vehicle dealers in Western Australia must disclose to prospective buyers whether a vehicle under 15 years old is a repairable write-off.

Risks for UFC fans buying last-minute tickets

  • Ticket scalping alert for UFC fans desperate to attend weekend event 
  • Warning for resellers about posting negotiable ‘$1234’ prices
  • Only buy tickets through Ticketek or Ticketek Marketplace to avoid overpaying

Fans hoping to secure last-minute tickets to the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 305 event at Perth’s RAC Arena this Sunday, 18 August 2024 are being warned against dealing with resellers on unauthorised platforms and marketplaces.

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