Top 10 Things Tenants Want in 2026: Insights from Perth Property Managers
With over 70 years of experience as residential property managers, over the seasons and times, we have seen how the fundamentals of what Tenants have evolved for rental properties in Western Australia.
Based on insights from Perth property managers and national research, here are the top 10 things tenants want in 2026, and what that means for property owners.
- Well-Maintained, Move-In Ready Properties
Tenants across Western Australia are prioritising quality and condition. With rents having increased materially over the past few years, expectations around presentation have shifted.
Research from CoreLogic indicates that properties in good condition lease faster and experience fewer maintenance-related disputes. Fresh paint, functional fixtures and resolved maintenance issues are now baseline expectations, not value-adds.
For landlords, proactive maintenance reduces vacancy risk and protects long-term asset value. - Energy Efficiency and Lower Living Costs
Energy affordability is now a core decision factor. The Reserve Bank of Australia and ABS continue to report elevated household cost pressures, making energy efficiency a key differentiator.
Tenants increasingly favour:
- energy-efficient appliances
- LED lighting
- insulation and solar (where available)
Even modest upgrades can materially improve appeal while reducing turnover.
- Flexible Layouts for Hybrid Living
Hybrid work is now embedded across Australia. ABS labour data shows a sustained proportion of the workforce working from home at least part-time.
Tenants are actively seeking:
- study nooks or spare rooms suitable for home offices
- adaptable living areas
- good natural light and ventilation
Properties that support multiple uses consistently outperform rigid layouts.
- Security and Safety Compliance
Security remains non-negotiable. WA tenancy regulations require compliant locks and safety features, and tenants expect them as standard.
Well-lit entries, secure fencing and safe parking arrangements improve tenant confidence and support longer tenancies — particularly in higher-density locations. - Location and Lifestyle Access
Despite affordability pressures, tenants are still prioritising lifestyle convenience. REIWA data consistently shows higher demand in suburbs with strong access to:
- transport corridors
- schools and universities
- retail and employment hubs
- coastal or walkable precincts
Location continues to be one of the strongest drivers of rental resilience.
- Climate Comfort in a Warming Market
Perth’s climate makes temperature control essential. Air conditioning is now widely viewed as a necessity rather than a premium feature.
Properties with split-system air conditioning or effective passive cooling are more competitive, particularly during peak summer leasing periods. - Professional Property Management
Tenants increasingly value professionalism and clear communication. Industry surveys indicate that timely maintenance responses and transparent processes materially influence tenant satisfaction.
From an owner’s perspective, professional management reduces compliance risk, protects relationships and supports consistent rental performance. - Pet-Friendly Options Where Appropriate
Pet ownership continues to rise across Australia. While not every property is suitable, landlords who can reasonably accommodate pets often benefit from:
- a wider tenant pool
- longer tenancy durations
- reduced vacancy gaps
This trend is particularly evident in family-oriented and outer-metro Perth suburbs.
- Storage and Everyday Practicality
Practical features influence daily liveability. Tenants consistently value:
- built-in wardrobes
- garages or secure parking
- storage rooms or sheds
These elements may not drive headline rents, but they strongly influence leasing decisions.
- Fair, Market-Aligned Pricing
Tenants are increasingly informed, with ready access to market data. Properties priced in line with condition, location and amenity attract stronger enquiry and reduce negotiation friction.
Sustainable rental growth is achieved through alignment with market fundamentals, not short-term maximisation.
What This Means for WA Property Owners
In 2025, rental performance in Western Australia is being shaped by quality, liveability and professional management — not just scarcity.
Landlords who align with tenant expectations benefit from:
- shorter vacancy periods
- stronger tenant retention
- reduced maintenance escalation
- more stable long-term returns
Final Insight
The WA rental market remains competitive, but tenants are more discerning. Properties that meet contemporary expectations consistently outperform those that do not.
Understanding tenant priorities is now a strategic advantage — and one that directly protects both income and asset value.
