I wanted to take a moment to share some important news about recent changes to the Residential Tenancies Act in WA. These updates are going to affect how often rent can be increased, and how much notice tenants need to receive. So, whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, it’s worth knowing what’s changed and how it impacts you.
Rent Increases Now Limited to Once Every 12 Months
Rent increases are now capped at once every 12 months. This means no more frequent increases throughout the year. Whether you’re on a periodic lease or a fixed-term lease, the law now ensures that rent reviews only happen once a year. It’s all about giving tenants more stability and helping everyone plan ahead.
60 Days’ Notice Required for Rent Increases (Even on Lease Renewals)
Here’s another big change: landlords must now give tenants 60 days’ notice before increasing the rent, and this notice has to be in the form of a Form 10 document. This is the case even if the increase is part of renegotiating a lease renewal. That means landlords can’t just include a new rent amount in a renewal contract without that 60-day notice. This change is designed to give tenants time to prepare for any financial adjustments or to discuss the new terms before they take effect.
What Does This Mean for You?
- For Tenants: You can now relax a little, knowing rent increases are limited to once a year, and you’ll get 60 days’ notice before any changes occur. Whether your lease is being renewed or not, you’ll have plenty of time to prepare for any adjustments.
- For Landlords: Make sure you’re planning ahead. Any rent increase—whether it’s at lease renewal or mid-tenancy—needs to follow the 12-month rule and come with a proper 60-day notice using Form 10. If not, there could be penalties, or the increase might not take effect as planned.
What Next?
- Tenants: Review your lease and stay informed. If you’re not sure about the changes or how they apply to you, feel free to reach out to our team for support.
- Landlords: Make sure you’re up-to-date with these new rules so that your rent increases follow the law. Our property management team is here to help you stay compliant and plan effectively.
These updates are all about creating a smoother, more predictable rental experience for everyone. If you have any questions, need advice, or just want to chat about how these changes impact you, get in touch with us. We’re here to help make things easy for both tenants and landlords.