Residential Tenancies: Lease Renewals For Landlords (WA)

After having invested in a property and leasing it, you will eventually need to address lease renewals. As residential property managers in Perth, we would like to help clarify the latest rules and best practices under Western Australia legislation (as of 2025), so your property investment journey is smoother and compliant.

Types of Tenancies

The are two main forms of tenancy agreements:

• Fixed Term Tenancies: a lease for a set period (commonly 6, 12 or 24 months)
• Periodic Tenancy: An ongoing lease with no fixed end date; continuing until one party gives proper notice

All written tenancies in WA must use the prescribed Form 1AA residential tenancy agreement. At the start, tenants must be given the following:

• An Information For Tenants sheet covering tenant rights and responsibilities under rental legislation (Form 1AC or 1AD)
• Two copies of the Property Condition Report within seven (7) days of taking possession.
• A copy of any rules or by-laws if the home is in a community title or strata scheme.
• A completed bond lodgement form to sign
• Keys to the property

For more information, please review the Rental Agreements page on the Consumer Protection WA website.

Renewal of A Lease – What You Should Know

Periodic Lease

• In a periodic tenancy, there is no formal notice required – the existing terms continue until a party gives notice to end the tenancy
• To terminate, a property owner must give 60 days’ written notice (no reason required) for periodic leases
• Tenants must give 21 days’ written notice to end a periodic tenancy

Fixed Term Lease

• For fixed term leases, it’s best to begin discussions at least 60 days before expiry
• The property owner or managing agent should contact the tenant to clarify intentions (renew, vacate, negotiate new terms)
• If rent is to increase, a new lease or renewal offer must give 60 days’ written notice to the tenant
• If the tenant agrees to renew, a new lease agreement is formalised with any agreed changes (including the rent increase) prior to expiry

Choosing Not To Renew A Lease

Periodic Lease

• Give the tenant 60 days’ notice via Form 1C: Notice of Termination
• The notice must comply with WA statutory form and timing requirements

Fixed Term Lease

• To end at the expiry of the fixed term, provide 30 days’ notice before the lease ends
• If notice is given too late (less than 30 days), the tenancy may be extended until 30 days have passed since notice was given
• The Act also allows termination during a fixed term lease for lawful reasons such as serious breach, non-payment, illegal activity or destruction of premises
• If a tenant vacates prematurely without agreement, they may owe rent and costs until a new tenant is found, or until the original lease term ends

To read more information about the rights of tenants to end their periodic or fixed term lease, please visit the Tenant Ending A Tenancy page on the Consumer Protection WA website.

Do You Need A Reason To End A Lease?

For periodic leases, no. Termination does not require a reason, property owners only need to ensure they provide the correct notice to the tenant. In fixed term leases, termination at the end of the agreement does not need a reason. However, early termination of a fixed term does require specific grounds as provided under the Act.

What If Notice Wasn’t Given At The End of A Fixed Term?

• The simplest resolution is mutual written agreement to end the tenancy on a certain date
• Owners may issue a notice to terminate in certain circumstances (e.g. rent arrears, lease breaches)
• The law provides the tenant 14 days to remedy minor breaches once notice is given, before termination
• If premises are destroyed or uninhabitable, tenants must be given 7 days’ notice

Rent Increases & Renewals – What’s Changed in 2025

• Rent can now only be increased once every 12 months, whether the agreement is fixed term or periodic
• For fixed term agreements entered prior to the reforms, increases written in the contract may still apply until that term ends, but future increases must honour the 12 month rule
• Rent increase notices must still be given at least 60 days prior to the effective date
• The ban on rent bidding is in force – properties must be advertised at a fixed rent, and tenants cannot be pressured to offer higher rent
• Pet requests and minor modifications (e.g. picture hanging, installing flyscreens) are now generally allowed. Property owners must show reasonable grounds to refuse
• Disputes about pets and minor modifications may be resolved by the Commissioner for Consumer Protection via online dispute resolution, rather than court

For more information around rent increases and renewals, visit the Rent Increases page on the Consumer Protection WA website.

What Happens If A Tenant Refuses To Move Out?

• A court order (writ of possession) may be requested to have a tenant vacate
• Tenants can appeal for up to 30 days’ extension in hardship cases

For more information, visit the Landlord Ending A Tenancy page on the Consumer Protection WA website.

How To Structure Renewals More Strategically

To ensure compliance and protect your interest:

1. Start lease renewal discussions 60+ days ahead of expiry date
2. Propose renewal with clear terms and required notice periods
3. For rent increases, ensure 12 month rule is followed and give 60 days’ written notice
4. Include clauses for minor modifications and pet requests aligned with the new reforms
5. Keep all communications and notices in writing, using prescribed forms when required

How Time Conti Sheffield Can Help You Navigate Lease Renewals

Our specialist property management team keeps pace with changing legislation so you don’t have to:

• Our lease templates and renewal notices are kept up-to-date with current WA tenancy reforms
• We proactively notify you of key dates, required notices and rent review windows
• We support tenant discussions, negotiate renewals and help balance fairness with compliance
• During renewals, we factor in the new 12 month rent increase rule, pet requests and modifications in line with the reforms
• Should disputes arise, we prepare documentation to support you in any hearings or proceedings

When working with Time Conti Sheffield, you stay compliant, avoid missteps and maintain strong tenant relationships with our bespoke approach to property management.

Final Thoughts

Lease renewals in Western Australia have become more complex under the 2025 tenancy law reforms – from stricter rules on rent increases to new tenant rights regarding pets and modification requests. But, with the right approach, renewals can be seamless, fair and strategic.

If you own a rental property in Perth and want expert support throughout lease renewals, reach out to the property management team at Time Conti Sheffield. We’ll ensure you remain compliant, protect your investment and maintain healthy tenant relationships.

Contact us today to discuss your rental property ownership strategy or to request a review of your upcoming tenancy term.