Consumer Protection

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• Parliament greenlights stronger regulation of short-term rental accommodation in WA
• New register and planning changes to balance needs of communities and owners

Laws requiring all Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) in Western Australia to be included on a new register have passed through State Parliament.

• Registration for all short-term rental accommodation opens today
• 12-months free registration for property owners who enrol early
• Registration to provide accurate data for local governments and better assurance for local residents and STRA users

Stronger regulation of Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) in Western Australia has begun, with the opening of a new register that will allow regulators and communities to keep track of the short stay sector for the first time.

While you might be smart enough to get your tax return in early, no one is too smart to be scammed.

Consumer Protection is warning Western Australians to be alert to tax scams, which are most prevalent around this time of year. And they’re easy to fall for because you’re already expecting some communication from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or myGov about your tax.

• Payment redirection scam losses already exceed 2023 figure
• Consumers advised to call business to confirm bank account details

Western Australians are being urged to be vigilant of payment redirection scams with losses this year already exceeding figures from 2023.

A WA man lost $153,950 as a result of the scam after scammers intercepted emails between him and his settlement agent in relation to the purchase of a property.

The cooler weather has finally arrived and this usually means staying warm by using products like heaters, wheat/heat packs, hot water bottles and electric blankets, or even sitting near a cosy fire.

Consumer Protection is reminding people there are safety risks with many winter products and if not careful, they could pose a fire hazard to your home. Winter is also a time to be aware of mould in the home, as well as the safety of children’s clothing, which can be flammable.

The cooler weather has finally arrived and this usually means staying warm by using products like heaters, wheat/heat packs, hot water bottles and electric blankets, or even sitting near a cosy fire.

Consumer Protection is reminding people there are safety risks with many winter products and if not careful, they could pose a fire hazard to your home. Winter is also a time to be aware of mould in the home, as well as the safety of children’s clothing, which can be flammable.