Western Australia’s residential tenancy regulations continue to evolve, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving safety, fairness and accountability in the rental market. As a property owner, compliance is not merely a legal requirement — it’s a fundamental aspect of protecting your tenants, your investment and your long-term reputation as a responsible landlord.
At Time Conti Sheffield, we understand that navigating legislation can be complex. Below is a summary of key compliance areas every WA property owner should review in 2025.
Key Areas of Compliance for WA Rental Properties
To simplify compliance, obligations can be grouped into six main categories:
Window & Blind Safety
Security: Locks, Lighting & Access
Smoke Alarms, RCDs & Electrical Safety
Pools, Spas & Safety Barriers
Structural & Habitability Standards
Emerging Reforms & Tenant Rights
Each category has specific requirements under WA law, designed to enhance the safety and wellbeing of all occupants.
Window & Blind Safety
Blind and curtain cords pose a significant risk to young children. Under WA safety standards, any exposed cord or chain within 1.6 metres of the floor must be secured by a compliant safety device. Tenants may also request to anchor furniture for safety purposes, with owners required to permit such reasonable requests.
From 2025, landlords must handle requests for minor child-safety modifications fairly and provide written justification if a request is refused. These updates reinforce WA’s focus on preventing avoidable household injuries.
Security: Locks, Lighting & Access
All properties must meet minimum security requirements. The main entrance must have an external light, operable from inside the dwelling, to enhance safety and visibility. Exterior doors are required to have either a deadlock or a key-lockable security door compliant with AS 5039-2008, while accessible windows must have locks that prevent external entry.
Under family violence provisions, tenants experiencing domestic violence may change locks without prior consent but must provide new keys to the owner or property manager within seven days.
Smoke Alarms, RCDs & Electrical Safety
Electrical and fire safety remains one of the most critical compliance areas. WA law requires all rental properties to have operational, mains-powered smoke alarms installed in accordance with building regulations. In addition, two Residual Current Devices (RCDs) — one protecting lighting circuits and one for power outlets — must be fitted to the switchboard.
Landlords have an ongoing obligation to ensure all electrical wiring, fittings and appliances remain safe and functional. Increasingly, authorities are holding owners accountable for proactive electrical safety checks, with penalties for non-compliance and liability for injury or damage.
Pools, Spas & Safety Barriers
Private pools and spas deeper than 300mm must be enclosed by a compliant safety barrier to restrict unsupervised access by children. Local councils typically inspect pool barriers every four years, but property owners must ensure ongoing compliance between inspections.
Even decorative ponds or water features may fall under council safety requirements, so landlords should verify all outdoor water elements meet local regulations.
Structural & Habitability Standards
Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, a property must be fit for habitation and maintained in good repair. This includes being free from structural defects, leaks, or pest infestations. Adequate natural light and ventilation are required in all habitable rooms, and essential facilities — such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries — must function properly.
Flooring, ceilings and walls must be safe and sound, and all fixtures, including stoves, heating systems and hot water units, should meet current safety and certification standards. Failure to maintain habitability can result in formal breach notices or compensation claims.
Emerging Reforms & Tenant Rights
WA’s 2025 tenancy reforms are reshaping landlord responsibilities. The rent bidding ban means rental listings must display a fixed price — owners may no longer solicit or accept offers above the advertised rate.
Tenants also have expanded rights to request minor modifications, such as installing shelves or hanging artwork, and to keep pets with reasonable approval. Landlords must respond promptly and can only refuse such requests with valid, documented reasons.
These changes reflect the government’s push towards greater housing fairness and tenant empowerment.
Why Non-Compliance is Risky
Non-compliance can have serious financial and reputational consequences. Penalties under consumer protection or building laws can be substantial, and insurance claims may be denied if an incident occurs due to non-compliance.
Landlords may also face disputes, lease terminations or compensation claims from tenants, and prolonged vacancies caused by reputational damage. In short, compliance is not just about avoiding penalties — it’s about safeguarding your asset, your income stream and your standing as a trusted property owner.
How Time Conti Sheffield Helps You Stay Compliant
At Time Conti Sheffield, we go beyond day-to-day property management — we help you manage risk, ensure compliance and protect your investment. We support residential property owners and commercial property owners across Perth with tailored, expert property management services to provide peace of mind.
Our property managers conduct compliance checks as part of routine inspections and ensure lease agreements and policies reflect the latest legislation. We can also coordinate safety upgrades, negotiate tenant modification requests, and guide you through reforms affecting rent bidding, pets, and bond processes (Read more).
With over 70 years of property management experience, we provide peace of mind that your property meets — and often exceeds — Western Australia’s regulatory standards. For owners currently self-managing, our professional management service significantly reduces stress, administrative burden and risk exposure (Learn more).
As Owners and Tenants of Time Conti Sheffield, if you would like to review your property’s compliance status, request a complimentary compliance review with one of our expert property managers. We’ll assess your property, prioritise areas needing attention and ensure every legal requirement is met — helping you protect your investment with complete confidence.
