WA Landlord Fined: Tenancy Breach & Perth Housing Crisis
A Perth landlord’s blatant disregard for Western Australia’s tenancy laws results in an $8,500 fine, highlighting the Perth housing crisis. The landlord,in Ardross,hit a tenant with unlawful demands exceeding $32,000 before move-in,including an upfront request for three months’ rent—a direct breach of regulations.Further violations surfaced with improper handling of the security bond and eviction threats over a rent increase. The case, examined by News Directory 3, reveals the pressures of Perth’s tight rental market, where the vacancy rate languishes at 2.4%. Consumer Protection is actively watching rental practices, ensuring fairness for tenants. Discover what’s next for Perth renters.
Perth Landlord Fined for WA Rental Law Breaches
Updated May 29, 2025
A landlord in Perth, Western Australia, has been penalized for multiple violations of the state’s tenancy laws after demanding more than $32,000 from a tenant before move-in and later threatening eviction over a rent hike. The Perth Magistrates Court fined the landlord $8,500 on May 16, also issuing a spent conviction.
The case underscores the desperation in Perth’s competitive rental market, where renters often pay large sums to secure properties. Consumer Protection’s John McMaster said the landlord requested $16,200 upfront to cover the first three months’ rent, a significant breach since landlords can’t ask for more than two weeks’ rent in advance.
The landlord also sought an additional $16,200 as a security bond but only lodged $5,400 with the bond administrator four months later. McMaster emphasized that landlords must lodge bonds within 14 days and handle tenants’ money carefully to comply with the law.
about a month before the next rent payment, the landlord demanded an extra $2,700 per fortnight, threatening eviction if the tenant didn’t pay. Commissioner for Consumer Protection Owen Kelly stated that the Residential Tenancies Act protects vulnerable tenants during high-demand periods.
Kelly noted the tenant faced needless risk by paying three months’ rent upfront and further financial strain from subsequent rent demands. Magistrate Donna Webb acknowledged the landlord’s plea of ignorance but emphasized that ignorance of the law is no excuse.
What’s next
Consumer Protection will continue monitoring rental practices in Perth to ensure landlords respect tenant rights and adhere to the Residential Tenancies Act, especially given the ongoing rental crisis and low vacancy rates.