What are my rights and responsibilities as a tenant?

December 20, 2021

As a tenant, you must have a good understanding of your rights and responsibilities. Your property manager will help to communicate these with you, but it’s beneficial to have good knowledge yourself. Knowing where you stand will help you maintain a good relationship and resolve potential issues before they arise. You can even lessen the chance of a dispute if something does go wrong.

Reviewing your lease agreement is the best way to understand your rights and responsibilities. Make sure to always read it carefully before signing, and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you need to clarify anything. For tenants of properties we manage, you can check out our tenant information page for some handy links.

If you’d like to know more about your legal rights and responsibilities, DMIR’S have a very handy guide which is a good place to start. You can also reach out to your property manager if you need.

Tenant Rights in WA

Clean premises

At the start of the tenancy, the property should be in a reasonable state of cleanliness and repair. The tenant should then maintain the property in an appropriate state for the duration of your tenancy.

Bond money

By law, the maximum security bond is four weeks rent for most properties. Your bond needs to be safely deposited with the State Government’s Bond Administrator. You should also receive a receipt of your payment and a certificate once it has been lodged.

Property condition report

At the start of your tenancy, you will receive a property condition report outlining any existing damages. Check out our guide on what to do with your property condition report if you’re not sure.

Notice

The required notice periods for different communications differ depending on the type of lease. Confirm with your property manager and check your lease if you’re unsure.
Common notice periods include:

  • 7 to 14 days notice of an inspection
  • 72 hours notice of access for any repairs unless they are urgent
  • 60 days for a rent increase (if your lease allows)
Repairs

If repairs are needed, they need to be undertaken within a reasonable time. You should notify your property manager as soon as possible. The landlord is responsible for these, however, you are required to pay if you caused the damage.

Safety and security

It is your landlord’s duty to ensure that the property is reasonably secure. The meaning of this will vary depending on the property but may include features such as deadlocks or key lockable screen doors, exterior windows and main entry lights.

Your responsibilities as a tenant include

Caring for the property

As a tenant, you need to care for the property and ensure you leave it in the same condition as the start of your tenancy (considering reasonable wear and tear). If any repairs are needed, report them to your property manager. You also need to gain written permission to alter the property.

Rent and bills

You’re obligated to pay the rent stipulated in your lease agreement on time during your tenancy.

Your landlord will be responsible for the initial setup of electricity, gas and water services, but you will need to set up your utilities when you start the tenancy. You are then responsible for paying the utility bills.

Lease agreement

Overall, you are responsible for adhering to the terms of your lease. For example, you will need written permission if someone else moves in or exceeds the number of residents stipulated in the agreement.

If you have any questions about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, you can get in touch with us, and we’ll help you in any way we can.

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We are, and have always been, a family-run enterprise. Founded by Shirley Smith in 1995, the idea for Access Property Management was conceived when Shirley realised there was a high level of demand for dedicated property management agencies, a need that was not being met by the existing real estate market. The agency is now headed by Shirley’s daughter, Stacy Whiting, who joined the business in 1996, and her husband, Mark Whiting, who has been at the agency for over 18 years. This focus on longevity extends to Access’ dedicated team of qualified property managers, with most staff having worked at the agency for 9 years or more.

ORIGINAL FOCUS

Shirley’s original objective was to provide a closer link between property owners and high quality tenants provided by relocation companies and the corporate/executive sector. Over time we extended our services to better cater for the needs of all property investors and quality tenants, who were seeking a higher level of service, focus and experience.

27+ YEARS EXPERIENCE

For over 27 years, our family owned business has made an impact within the real estate industry in Perth Metro and based on our results we’ve established a strong reputation for integrity, distinction and innovation in real estate and management services.

Meet our team of dedicated property specialists.

“It is always fantastic to deal with Stacy and the team at Access Property Management. Highly recommend to anyone!”

Anike – Facebook

“Mark, Stacy and the team at Access you are a pleasure to do business with. I highly recommend to anyone that requires high level, professional property management.”

Brett – Facebook

“Many thanks for your help.  I have a couple of other properties and you guys are by far the easiest to work with and most professional.”

Dean – Owner

“I have been using their services as a tenant, and I can say its an amazing experience. They are prompt at everything and quite helpful. Alongside, the property manager carry a great professional work ethics which is wonderful. You, as a tenant always feel accompanied by your property manager. Cheers.”

Rahul – Google

“I rented a property through Natalie at APM. She was attentive, proactive and professional – everything you could want in a property manager (as a tenant and as a home owner, as I am myself also). I highly recommend APM, their professional staff and convenient services.”

Daniel – Mt Pleasant – Facebook

I would like to personally thank Kelly for her professionalism and pleasant manner when we were applying for a rental. My son Jarrod (18yrs) & daughter Nicole (22yrs) had been applying for rentals all of January with no success & I was disappointed that some of the agencies hadn’t even followed up on their good references to allow for a fair assessment of their application. As Kelly would know we were successful in this application but had to decline as we were also successful in purchasing a property in that same week. Kelly was very understanding and a pleasure to deal with. I will highly recommend your agency .

Heather – Prospective Tenant

“I have rented through Access twice since 2010 and both times have been great, particularly the last time when I rented in South Perth and my rental agent was Kelly Duncan. What a delight she was and is and nothing was too much trouble. Thanks Kelly for such a great experience. Shame I couldn’t stay with you.”

Vanda – South Perth – Facebook