Consumer Protection

New laws introduced by the McGowan Government to establish a six-month moratorium on evictions for certain commercial tenancies in Western Australia and establish a mandatory code of conduct to assist with negotiations between landlords and tenants have now passed the WA Parliament.

The aim of the legislation is to help small commercial tenants that are now in financial distress to survive the current economic downturn due to restrictions imposed to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

The McGowan Government has announced a new package to support tenants, landlords and the construction industry in the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package adds to the McGowan Government's $1.7 billion stimulus and relief package for businesses and households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It complements the introduction of a six-month freeze on rent increases, the moratorium on evictions from March 30, 2020, and the $25 million small business rent relief package announced last month. 

Keeping a roof over everyone’s head has never been more important as thousands of people suffer job losses due to the economic fall-out of COVID-19 coronavirus restrictions.

New laws are now in place to ensure renters can stay in their homes and businesses won’t have to leave their premises, while recognising that landlords shouldn’t be unnecessarily burdened.  

The emergency residential tenancy laws aim to provide some certainty during these uncertain times for those in private and public housing, residential long stay parks, as well as boarders and lodgers.

If you’re a tenant who’s lost their job in the coronavirus crunch, you may be wondering how to afford what’s likely the household’s biggest weekly expense – the rent.

To relieve some of the burden, the State Government has announced a $30 million residential rental relief scheme, which will see payments equivalent of four weeks’ rent up to a maximum of $2000 granted to landlords on behalf of tenants in financial strife due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tenants can apply for the grant online, however there are some things they should know before taking that step.

Heating appliances will soon be emerging from hibernation as cooler weather sets in, particularly with many of us working from home this winter.

If you are using a gas heater, our colleagues at Building and Energy have issued a timely warning about the dangers of exposure to carbon monoxide, which can leak from faulty, poorly maintained or misused gas appliances.

• Framework for rent relief negotiations between commercial tenants and landlords
• Code applies to small businesses with turnover of less than $50 million a year
• Landlords required to respond to written requests from tenants in 14 days

The McGowan Government has introduced a new code of conduct to help commercial tenants and landlords reach agreements about rent during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Winter has officially arrived and many of us have already dragged out the winter woollies, electric blankets and hot water bottles, but it’s important to make sure we are using these items safely.

Electric blankets, hot water bottles, heat (or wheat) packs and children’s sleepwear are just some of the winter items that can pose an injury risk if they are old, worn or not used properly.

As with any product – but particularly products that can cause scalds, burns or fires – consumers should always follow user guides.

We all know that clean hands are one of the best ways to guard against viruses, so it’s little surprise that hand sanitiser has become a must-have item during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

With many households and schools now using hand sanitiser as part of their daily routines, it’s important to remember these products should be treated with extra caution especially around children. 

Most alcohol-based sanitisers contain upwards of 60 per cent alcohol content, meaning just a couple of mouthfuls can be enough to poison a child.

Many people worry about leaving their family with a large debt when they depart this world, so the option of paying for your funeral upfront before you need it has become increasingly popular in recent years.

So popular in fact, there is currently estimated to be around $170 million in pre-paid funeral funds invested by funeral organisers in Western Australia awaiting the day they’re needed.

WA’s ageing population means that figure is likely to grow further, so the State Government has stepped in to introduce some safeguards in the form of a new mandatory code of practice.