Consumer Protection

6 September 2023

Managing a shared tenancy

Shared tenancies occur when part or all of a property is rented by two or more independent tenants. It is important to maintain proper administration of shared tenancies, as they can be more complex. Shared tenancies are becoming more common with Western Australia’s changing property market.

This bulletin summarises what considerations to make as a landlord/lessor when your property is being shared by multiple tenants.

6 September 2023

Your rights and responsibilities in a shared tenancy

Changes in the property market in Western Australia have seen shared tenancies (two or more people renting the same house) becoming a more common option for tenants.

These arrangements offer benefits such as reduced living expenses, a sense of community and flexibility. However, it is important to understand that you have rights and responsibilities if you opt to live in a shared tenancy.

6 September 2023

Managing a shared tenancy

Shared tenancies occur when part or all of a property is rented by two or more independent tenants. It is important to maintain proper administration of shared tenancies, as they can be more complex. Shared tenancies are becoming more common with Western Australia’s changing property market.

This bulletin summarises what considerations to make when managing a property with shared tenancy.

16 August 2023

Expanded qualifications for a licence

The Land Valuers Licensing Regulations 1979 (WA) (the LVL Regulations) now include an expanded list of qualifications which can be used to obtain a land valuer’s licence in Western Australia.

The LVL Regulations now recognise the qualifications accepted by the Australian Property Institute (API) for membership as a Certified Practising Valuer.

16 August 2023

New licence qualification 

A new qualification has been added to the Real Estate and Business Agents (General) Regulations 1979 (WA) for the grant of a Real Estate and Business Agent licence in Western Australia (WA). The new qualification is the Diploma of Property (Agency Management) CPP51122, replacing the Diploma of Property (Agency Management) CPP51119.

You can apply for an exemption from completing CPD activities if you;

• completed a module from the Diploma of Property Services (Agency Management) CPP50307 as learning opportunity
• attended equivalent CPD training in another state or territory of Australia. 

You must provide:

Real estate agents and property managers must issue a bond receipt and keep records of bonds. 

29 June 2023

It’s trust account audit time!

July is the perfect time to start preparing and referring trust account information to your auditor so the 2022-23 audit report can be completed by the 30 September 2023 due date.

Do I need to be audited?

The law requires all individuals, bodies corporate or firms (partnerships) that held current triennial certificates in the 2022-23 financial year to have their trust accounts audited by a qualified auditor.

23 June 2023

Minimising the risk of mould in a rental property

Mould or dampness can pose a serious health risk, as well as cause structural damage to rental properties. The risk of mould increases during wet or humid weather, and after major storms, but there are ways to stop mould from developing.

23 June 2023

Don't let mould get the better of you

The risk of mould growing in your home increases during wet or humid weather, and after major storms, but there are ways to stop mould from spreading.

What is mould?

Mould is a fungus that grows in damp places. You will know you have it if you can smell an unpleasant musty odour, or you may see it growing on ceilings and walls, in cupboards and along the grout between tiles. It starts off as small black dots that spread quickly.