Make Renting Fair

We are proud to be a member of the Make Renting Fair campaign for Residential Tenancies Act reform to make renting a more safe, secure and stable housing choice for the 700,000 Western Australian tenants. 

Every year thousands of people seek assistance with disputes, difficulties and disadvantages they experience while renting. Our sector sees the impact of rental stress as individuals and families struggle to find and keep an affordable rental home. Rents have skyrocketed, evictions have increased, and more people than ever are seeking emergency relief and support to find or keep an affordable rental home. 

The WA Residential Tenancies Act is 35 years old and does not reflect the contemporary needs of renters and the likelihood that increasing numbers will be renting for life. Prior to the COVID pandemic the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety undertook extensive consultation on new legislation. Their recommendations are being considered by the State Government. 

The Make Renting Fair Alliance has identified ten key issues of concern to renters. Known as the “Tenancy Ten’’, these changes are at the heart of the holistic reform we are seeking. This is a crucial stage in the campaign, and by basing our advocacy on the direct feedback of WA renters, we hope to give the government the confidence to back these changes: 

1. End unfair evictions
2. Allow reasonable modifications
3. Create minimum standards
4. Stabilise rent increases
5. Include boarders and lodgers
6. Allow pets
7. Quick, fair and consistent dispute resolution
8. Better deal for public housing tenants
9. Increase access to tenant advocacy and information
10. Privacy 

By supporting the Make Renting Fair campaign, you’ll be advocating for law reform that will leave a legacy of social justice for tenants. For more information, please visit www.makerentingfairwa.org.au and like the Facebook page @MakeRentingFairWA to find out more.