Consumer Protection

• All short-term rental accommodation providers to be required to register properties
• New $10,000 incentive for property owners to transition existing short-term rental accommodation into long-term rental homes for Western Australians
• Reforms to provide consistency across the sector and clarity on what is required to operate a short-term rental accommodation property

The Cook Government has today announced new regulations for un-hosted Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) in Western Australia, along with an incentive aimed at returning some properties to

• Mandatory professional development to continue for WA real estate and settlement industries
• Ongoing education and training to maintain faith and confidence in industry participants
• Agents to administer and self-fund program

The Cook Government has again thrown its support behind mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for everyone employed in the real estate and settlement sectors to ensure high standards are maintained.

Buying or renting a residential property involves significant financial transactions which, increasingly, are targets for scammers.

Over the last 12 month, WA ScamNet received 129 complaints of real estate and rental scams that  left 74 West Australians almost one million dollars, in total, out of pocket.

Rental and real estate scammers try to trick you out of your money when you need to transfer payments or make deposits to banks, real estate & settlement agents or landlords.

Decorative lights, electronic gifts and DIY projects are hallmarks of the festive season, prompting WA’s electrical safety regulator, Building and Energy, to share top tips for a safe summer.

Festive lights are a popular addition to homes at this time of year, but damaged or incorrectly used lights can cause electric shocks and fires. Consumers are urged to check that lights, cords and plugs are undamaged, untangled and working well, particularly if they have been in storage.

• Modernisation of WA tenancy laws begins with a Bill introduced to Parliament
• Rent increases limited to once every 12 months
• Greater freedom for tenants to keep pets and make minor modifications
• New dispute resolution procedure to deliver fast, fair and transparent outcomes

New laws to improve the lives of Western Australian renters have been introduced to Parliament, as part of the Cook Government's commitment to modernise WA's tenancy laws.

Unleaded petrol (ULP) prices often grab the headlines but for many West Aussie drivers, diesel is the lifeblood that keeps their utes, trucks, 4WDs and family cars running.

Currently, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fill the tank with petrol, but Consumer Protection’s FuelWatch team often receives questions asking when the cheapest day is for diesel.

Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, eBay, garage sales and even swap meets can be brimming with a treasure trove of bargains. However, a bargain you buy today could cost you tomorrow.

Buying items through private sellers requires caution to avoid potential issues that may not be covered by Australian Consumer Law (ACL). When you buy goods privately there is a risk they may not work as they should or may not match the advert or description. You won’t be protected by the law.

Quad bikes are the leading cause of death and serious injury on Australian farms. School holidays and good weather often mean farm visits and quad bike adventures. Consumer Protection urges families to prioritise safety when it comes to quad biking.

Sixty per cent of quad bike fatalities occur during a roll over. Even at slower speeds, these bikes can topple over and crush the rider with hundreds of kilos of machine.