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.

You’ve got your outfit picked and you know all the words to your favourite band’s songs – then they cancel as a headlining act. There are other bands to see but you’re still disappointed and you assume you’re not entitled to a refund.

Sending your loved one wilted flowers on Valentine’s Day probably won’t get you the reaction you were hoping for. Before you get a bunch of dead roses thrown in your face, Consumer Protection hopes there’s time to explain you have rights under Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Consumer guarantees kick in on products purchased through Australian-based stores, including online.

With the recent drownings and near-drownings in Perth, it is a critical reminder to take water safety seriously.

Drowning is a silent killer. It can happen to young children within just 20 seconds and in as little as 3cm of water.