5 Essential Steps for Hassle-Free Property Management in Western Australia
1) Screen Tenants Like a Pro (Before They Move In!)
What you can do right now:
- Use a Tenant Application Form — collect employment details, rental history and references.
- Run background checks where available (e.g., tenancy databases used by licensed managers).
- Verify employment & income — recent payslips or employer letter.
- Call previous owners/managers — ask about payments, property care and any issues.
WA Landlord Tip: Trust your instincts. If the story doesn’t add up or documents are incomplete, keep looking — the right tenant is worth the wait.
2) Set Expectations with a Rock-Solid, WA-Compliant Lease
What you can do right now:
- Use the correct agreement — WA’s Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1AA).
- Clarify key clauses — pets (incl. optional pet bond), subletting (in writing), maintenance & emergency repairs.
- Provide a Property Condition Report (PCR) — issued at the start of the tenancy and signed copies kept.
Pro tip: Walk through the lease with tenants in person (or via video) to avoid “I didn’t know” later.
3) Conduct Regular Inspections (Without Annoying Your Tenant)
What you can do right now:
- Plan routine inspections — up to four per year with at least 7 days’ written notice.
- Use a checklist so nothing is missed; take date-stamped photos and notes.
- Keep it reasonable — within common daytime hours and with clear communication.
WA Landlord Tip: Inspections outside agreed times or with short notice damage trust and increase disputes. Keep everything in writing.
4) Stay on Top of Maintenance Before It Becomes Costly
What you can do right now:
- Create a maintenance plan — list WA-licensed tradies (plumbing, electrical, general repairs).
- Acknowledge repair requests within 24 hours — even if the fix takes longer.
- Budget 5–10% of rent for preventative and urgent repairs.
WA Landlord Tip: Hot water, plumbing and electrical faults are typically urgent. Quick action protects tenants and your asset.
5) Build a Strong Landlord-Tenant Relationship with Clear Communication
What you can do right now:
- Choose a primary channel — email, portal or WhatsApp for requests and updates.
- Quarterly check-ins — a simple “How’s everything going?” reduces surprises.
- Keep it professional — polite, written records help resolve issues faster.
WA Landlord Tip: Keep important conversations and agreements in writing to avoid disputes and support insurance claims.
Final Thoughts: The Key to a Hassle-Free Tenancy in WA
A successful tenancy isn’t luck — it’s systems. Start now:
- Review your lease for WA compliance.
- Schedule your next inspection with proper notice.
- Build an emergency tradie list.
- Centralise tenant communications.
- Use professional screening before approving any tenant.
Apply these steps and you’ll prevent 90% of common rental headaches before they start.
FAQs: WA Property Management
How often can I do routine inspections in WA?
Up to four routine inspections per year with at least seven days’ written notice, at reasonable daytime hours.
Do I have to use a specific lease in WA?
Use the WA Residential Tenancy Agreement (Form 1AA) and issue a Property Condition Report at the start.
What’s an appropriate maintenance budget?
A common benchmark is 5–10% of annual rent for preventative and urgent repairs.
Contact Mandurah City Real Estate
Phone: 08 9521 9090 | Email: hello@mandurahcre.com.au
Office: 5 Tindale Road, Mandurah, WA, 6210
Property Management Appraisal ·
Free Sales Appraisal ·
Website
Join The Discussion