Meeting the Requirements: Minimum Standards for Rental Properties in WA

In Western Australia, landlords must meet minimum property standards to ensure rentals are safe and comfortable. Understanding these requirements can help tenants & landlords avoid issues and protect their rights. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, plus offers a handy checklist to make moving in easier.

What are the minimum standards in WA

Minimum standards are set for rental properties in Western Australia to ensure they are safe and liveable. If you’re unsure whether a home meets these requirements, speaking with a property agent who understands current legislation and obligations is a good idea.

These standards are outlined in the Residential Tenancies Regulation. Landlords need to ensure that their property meets minimum standards before they can consider leasing a house or apartment. Below are some of the minimum standards that are set in Western Australia.

Health and safety

Before renting out a property, landlords must consider a range of health and safety requirements. As a renter, it’s also important to ensure these standards are met before moving into a rental property:

  • The property must be maintained to a reasonable standard of cleanliness and repair.
  • Two RCDs (residual current devices) must be installed to protect electrical circuits.
  • Smoke alarms must be installed and be less than 10 years old.
  • The property has a functional bathroom, laundry and cooking facilities.
  • Blind cords or chains must be restrained to prevent accidental strangulation.
  • If the property has a swimming pool deeper than 30cm, it must be appropriately fenced off.
  • The building is free from mould caused by the building structure.
  • The property must have adequate ventilation through either windows, vents or mechanical means.
  • The building must be structurally sound, weatherproof and insulated to protect tenants from extreme temperatures.

Minimum security standards

To comply with WA’s minimum security standards, rental properties must have secure locks on all external doors and windows, as well as adequate exterior lighting. Here’s what rental home safety includes:

  • Main entry doors must have a deadlock or an AS 5039-2008 compliant key lockable security screen door.
  • All other external doors must have a deadlock, patio bolt lock or 5039-2008 compliant key lockable security screen door.
  • External windows must have a lock that prevents opening from the outside. Apartments, if the window is not easily accessible, do not need a lock.
  • There must be suitable external lighting at or near the main entry that is capable of lighting the home’s main entrance.
  • Landlords and property managers cannot remove or change locks without the tenant’s consent, except in emergency situations.

Changing locks

When it comes to changing locks, there are only certain situations in which that is allowed. These reasons include:

  • Both landlord and tenant agree.
  • One of the devices needs replacement.
  • There is a good reason (emergency, break-in or some kind of violence).

Repairs

When something breaks in your rental, you may wonder whose responsibility it is to fix it, and when it should be completed. Below is a table to demonstrate the types of repairs, some examples, who is responsible and the timeframe for action.

Type of repair Examples Who’s responsible Timeframe for action
Urgent repairs
  • Burst water pipe
  • Gas leak
  • Dangerous electrical fault
  • Broken toilet (only 1 in home)
  • Broken front door lock
  • Fire or storm damage
 Landlord As soon as possible (usually 24- 48 hours)
Non-urgent repairs
  • Leaking tap
  • Broken cupboard door
  • Damaged flyscreen
  • Faulty light fitting
 Landlord Within a reasonable period
Damages caused by the tenant
  • Broken window from rough play
  • Stains from the tenant’s pet
 Tenant  Tenant must repair or pay for damage
Wear and tear
  • Faded paint
  • Worn carpet
  • Age-related issues
 Landlord Address as needed or at lease renewal

Minimum standards checklist

Not sure if your rental meets the required standards? Our step-by-step checklist will guide you through what to check.

General condition

▢ Property is structurally sound & weatherproof

▢ Property is clean and in good repair

▢ Property has a functioning kitchen, bathroom, toilet and laundry facilities

▢ No signs of mould or dampness

▢ Hot and cold water supply is connected and working in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry

Electrical & fire safety

▢ At least two RCDs installed on the power circuits

▢ Functioning smoke alarms are installed and are less than 10 years old

Ventilation & lighting

▢ Property has adequate ventilation, either natural or mechanical

▢ Working external lighting is installed near the front entry.

Security requirements

▢ Main door entry has a deadlock, patio bolt lock or compliant security screen.

▢ All other external entry doors have a deadlock, patio lock or compliant security screen

▢ Windows have locks (unless they are inaccessible in multi-level apartments)

▢ Blinds are secured to prevent accidents

Swimming pools

▢ If pools are deeper than 30cm, there is a compliant safety gate/barrier

Documentation

▢ Both landlord and tenant have a copy of the property condition report at the start of the tenancy

▢ There are up-to-date smoke alarm and RCD compliance certificates

▢ Tenants are provided with working keys for all locks

Wooden blocks spelling 'RENT' with a model house.

What should you do if the minimum standards are not met?

After going through the checklist above, if you notice that the minimum standards have not been met, you should:

  • Notify your landlord or property manager in writing for proof of communication
  • Keep a record of all interactions
  • If the issue is not resolved, you can contact Consumer Protection WA for advice and support
  • In severe cases, you can apply to the magistrate’s court for compensation

If you are a HKY Real Estate tenant and require general repairs or maintenance, you can fill out a maintenance report via email. For emergency maintenance, be sure to get in touch with us today!

If an emergency happens outside our business hours, you can contact (08) 9297 8199 to leave us a message with your name, property address and reason for calling. This message will be forwarded to an on-call staff member.

Rent your home with HKY Real Estate

Navigating the rental market can be challenging. At HKY Real Estate, our experienced property managers are here to guide tenants and landlords every step of the way.

We understand WA’s rental property minimum standards and can help ensure your rights and responsibilities are clear from the start. From leasing support to property management, we’re committed to making the process smooth and stress-free.

For expert advice and support, get in touch with our team today.

Enquire now (08) 9297 8111