Is Your Rental Property Compliant in WA?

Is Your Rental Property Compliant in WA?

WA rental regulations are regularly updated to enhance safety, fairness and accountability in residential rental agreements. If you own a rental property, ensuring compliance is a legal obligation that is vital to protecting Tenants, your asset and your reputation. Below are some key areas for compliance in Western Australia in 2025, structured to help your property’s readiness and identify areas requiring further attention.

Key Areas of Compliance For WA Rental Properties

To make the evaluation easier, we’ve grouped compliance into essential categories:

1. Window & Blind Safety
2. Security: Locks, Lighting & Access
3. Smoke Alarms, RCDs & Electrical Safety
4. Pools, Spas & Barriers
5. Other Structural / Habitability Requirements
6. Emerging Reforms & Tenant Rights

Under WA law and safety standards, there are specific legal obligations for each of these areas. It is important that you ensure your property is compliant with all required obligations.

Window & Blind Safety

• Exposed cords or chains on blinds and curtains within 1.6 metres of the floor must be secured by a compliant safety device to reduce the risk of child strangulation.
• Tenants must be permitted (with consent) to anchor furniture to walls / floors for safety purposes. Any holes or modifications must be reinstated at the end of the lease.
• In 2025, Tenants may request modifications for child safety and refusal must be based on reasonable grounds and documented.

Security: Locks, Lighting & Access

• The main entrance must have an external light on the outside of the premises that is operable from the inside.
• Exterior doors must have a deadlock or a key-lockable screen door compliant to AS 5039-2008.
• Windows (accessible externally) must have locks that prevent entry from outside.
• Domestic / family violence consideration: under WA tenancy reforms, Tenants affected by family violence may change locks without prior consent, provided they supply the new keys to the owner / property manager within seven days.

Smoke Alarms, RCDs & Electrical Safety

• All properties must have operational mains-powered smoke alarms installed in accordance with relevant Building Regulations.
• Two Residual Current Devices (RCDs) – one for lighting circuits and one for power outlets – must be installed on the switchboard.
• Electrical wiring, appliances and fittings must be safe and maintained.
• In 2025, property owners are increasingly liable for proactive electrical safety compliance. Failure can lead to penalties and liability in the case of an accident.

Pools, Spas & Safety Barriers

• Any private pool or spa exceeding 300mm depth must have a compliant barrier restricting child access, consistent with WA pool safety regulations.
• Local councils generally inspect pool barrier compliance at least once every four years.
• Ponds and decorative water features should also be assessed – local council rules may apply.

Other Structural / Habitability Requirements

• The property must be reasonably habitable – free from pests, major leaks or structural hazards.
• Ventilation and natural lighting should be adequate in habitable rooms.
• Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry facilities must be in good working order (e.g. sink, tap, drainage).
• Flooring, walls and ceilings must be safe and structurally sound.
• Fixtures and fittings (e.g. stoves, hot water systems) must meet applicable safety and certification standards.

Emerging Reforms & Tenant Rights

• Rent Bidding Ban: under Western Australia’s new tenancy reforms, properties must be advertised at a set rental price. Owners may not solicit or encourage bids above that amount.
• Tenant Requests for Minor Modifications & Pets: Tenants can now request minor modifications (e.g. installing pictures) or keeping pets. Refusal of these requests must be reasonably justified.

Why Non-Compliance Is Risky

Failing to maintain compliance can expose property owners to:

• Penalties or fines under WA consumer protection or building safety laws
• Liability for injury or damage to Tenants or visitors
• Lease disputes or termination claims
• Difficulty securing insurance or claims being rejected
• Damage to reputation and increased vacancy risks

Ensuring your rental property remains compliant is prudent and a part of responsible property ownership.

How Time Conti Sheffield Helps You Stay Compliant

At Time Conti Sheffield, we do more than manage tenancies – we help you manage risk and compliance:

• Compliance checks conducted as part of routine inspections
• Lease agreements and policies are updated to reflect most relevant legislation
• Negotiate modifications or safety upgrades on your behalf
• Guide you through new reforms on rent bidding, pets and bond releases

With Time Conti Sheffield managing your property, you get peace of mind knowing it meets or exceeds the required compliance standards in Western Australia. It also reduces the load and stresses associated with self-managing.

If you want to assess your property’s compliance, request a complimentary compliance review with Time Conti Sheffield’s expert property managers. We’ll offer tailored advice, help you prioritise upgrades and ensure you meet all your legal requirements.

Contact us today for bespoke property management services across Perth.