Managing a rental property in Western Australia can be incredibly rewarding—when done right. However, many landlords run into avoidable issues because they don’t set themselves up for success from the start.
If you want to avoid tenant headaches, missed rent, and unexpected damages, follow these five essential steps today.
1. Screen Tenants Like a Pro (Before They Move In!)
What you can do right now:
✅ Use a Tenant Application Form – Download the REIWA Tenant Application Form or create one that includes employment details, rental history, and personal references.
✅ Run Background – Use services like:
- National Tenancy Database (NTD)
- Tenancy Information Centre Australia (TICA)
✅ Verify Employment and Income – Ask for pay slips or an employment letter to confirm they can afford the rent.
✅ Check Rental History in WA – Contact previous landlords or property managers to confirm rental history. Ask about rent payments, property condition, and any issues.
🔹 WA Landlord Tip:
- Consumer Protection WA offers tenant blacklists where you can check for previous tenancy breaches.
- Trust your gut—if a tenant seems unreliable, keep searching. A good tenant is worth the wait.
2. Set Expectations with a Rock-Solid Lease Agreement (WA-Specific Rules)
What you can do right now:
✅ Download a Legally Compliant Lease – In WA, you must use the Residential Tenancy Agreement Form 1AA from the Consumer Protection WA website.
✅ Add Custom Clauses for Protection – Clarify rules about:
- Pets (WA law states a pet bond of up to $260 can be charged).
- Subletting (this must be in writing).
- Maintenance responsibilities and emergency repairs.
✅ Provide a Property Condition Report (PCR) – This is a legal requirement in WA within 7 days of tenancy commencement.
🔹 WA Landlord Tip:
- Go over the lease with tenants in person—this avoids “I didn’t know” excuses later.
- Keep signed copies of all documents for legal protection.
3. Conduct Regular Inspections (Without Annoying Your Tenant)
What you can do right now:
✅ Schedule Your First Routine Inspection – WA law allows 4 routine inspections per year. You must give 7 days’ written notice.
✅ Use an Inspection Checklist – The WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety provides free templates to ensure you don’t miss anything.
✅ Take Photos and Notes – Document property conditions to track changes over time and avoid disputes at the end of the lease.
🔹 WA Landlord Tip:
- Inspections must be between 8 am and 6 pm on a weekday or 9 am and 5 pm on a Saturday.
- Tenants must receive 7 days’ notice before an inspection, and you cannot enter without consent outside of these times.
4. Stay on Top of Maintenance Before It Becomes a Costly Problem
What you can do right now:
✅ Create a Maintenance Response Plan – List trusted WA-licensed tradies for plumbing, electrical, and general repairs.
✅ Set a 24-Hour Rule for Repairs – Even if you can’t fix it right away, acknowledge tenant requests within 24 hours to show you’re proactive.
✅ Budget for Maintenance – WA landlords should set aside at least 5-10% of rental income for unexpected repairs.
🔹 WA Landlord Tip:
- Emergency Repairs: If you do not respond within a reasonable time, tenants are legally allowed to arrange urgent repairs up to $1,000 and claim reimbursement.
- Hot water, plumbing, and electrical issues are considered urgent under WA tenancy law.
5. Build a Strong Landlord-Tenant Relationship with Effective Communication
What you can do right now:
✅ Use a Dedicated Communication Channel – Set up a WhatsApp, email, or dedicated portal for maintenance and rent discussions.
✅ Check in Quarterly (Without Being Overbearing) – A simple “How’s everything going?” email every few months builds trust and encourages open communication.
✅ Be Clear and Professional – Keep all communication polite and written to avoid misinterpretation.
🔹 WA Landlord Tip:
- Consumer Protection WA recommends all agreements and major conversations be in writing to avoid disputes.
- A positive tenant relationship leads to longer tenancies and fewer vacancies.
Final Thoughts: The Key to a Hassle-Free Tenancy in WA
A successful tenancy doesn’t happen by luck—it happens with smart systems and proactive management. The good news? You can start applying these WA-specific strategies today:
✅ Review your lease agreement and ensure it complies with WA tenancy laws.
✅ Schedule your next routine inspection and provide proper notice.
✅ Find reliable, WA-licensed tradies and create an emergency contact list.
✅ Improve tenant communication with a dedicated channel for requests.
✅ Use professional tenant screening tools before signing any new lease.
By taking action now, you’ll prevent 90% of the common rental headaches before they even start.
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