The Western Australian Government has proposed  comprehensive reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act. The act which dates back to 1987, is undergoing significant changes to the legislation that will improve tenant protections, clarify landlord responsibilities, and streamline the process of bond returns and dispute resolution processes.
What are the proposed changes?
1) Prohibiting the practice of rent bidding. This new law will enhance fairness and transparency in the rental market and eliminate coercion.
2) The frequency of rental increases will be reduced to once every 12 months.
3) In most cases, tenants will be allowed to have a pet or pets in a rental property.
4) Tenants will be allowed to make minor modifications to the rental property – like hanging pictures. Landlords can only dent your request for specific reasons.
5) Security bond releases will be made more streamlined. Disputes over security bond payments, as well as disagreements about pets and minor modifications, will be referred to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection for determination.
These reforms aim to address the rising costs of renting and offer relief to families in WA. The modernisation of tenancy laws ensures that tenants no longer have to choose between securing a rental property and keeping their pets. However, landlords will still have the right to refuse pet ownership with the consent of the Commissioner for Consumer Protection under reasonable circumstances. Tenants who make minor modifications to their rental property may also be required to restore the premises to its original condition at the end of the tenancy.
To support tenants, the WA government has allocated an annual funding boost of $4.5m for the next two financial years, which will go to tenancy advocates and community groups to provide WA tenants with advice and support. The 35% increase in funding will be distributed through the Tenant Advocacy and Education Services (TAES) program.
Although times are changing, not everything is. The WA Government has decided to keep the termination provisions for “without grounds” as they are currently written. This means that the notice periods of 60 days for periodic leases and 30 days for fixed leases will stay the same.

Source: thelawyermag.com.au & rent.com.au