The Make Renting Fair alliance welcomes today’s announcement of rental reforms, describing it as a significant step forward for tenants.
The Cook Government announced it will end no-grounds terminations, introduce clear standards for rental properties, and extend rent relief to eligible households for 12 months.
There are also proposed reforms to restrict the types of information landlords and agents can request from prospective tenants.
The alliance has long campaigned to end no-grounds terminations to protect renters from unfair eviction and bring Western Australia in line with the rest of the country.
Recent independent polling commissioned by the alliance found growing and overwhelming support among WA voters for ending no-grounds evictions, including among property investors. The polling showed 80 per cent of voters support ensuring that tenants can’t be evicted without a reason, including 72 per cent of residential investment property owners.
These results should give everyone real confidence to move forward, knowing the community is firmly behind them and ready for change. People understand that a stable, fair rental system benefits everyone.
Circle Green Community Legal CEO Lorraine Keane said: “We commend the Cook Government for delivering reforms that will make a genuine difference for renters and bring the rental system in line with community expectations. These are landmark reforms for the more than 700,000 Western Australians who rent.
“Ending no grounds evictions is a significant and long-overdue reform that will protect renters from being unfairly evicted, and ensure they are able to speak up about repairs or other issues without fear of losing their homes.
“Introducing minimum standards for rental properties is another major win – all Western Australians deserve to live in safe, habitable homes, free from mould, pests, and extreme temperatures.”
Shelter WA CEO Kath Snell said: “An end to no-grounds evictions is a huge win for renters. Like most other renters across the country, Western Australians will finally have the protection and security of knowing they can’t be forced out of their home without a clear and valid reason.
“Renting is a long-term reality for thousands of Western Australians including families, older people, key workers and young people. Rental policies need to reflect that, and today the Cook Government has shown it is listening. We are celebrating this win.
“The community – including most landlords – made it clear they want change. Renting is no longer a short-term stepping stone. The Government has acted on a clear mandate and renters across the state will feel the difference. They can sleep easier tonight – knowing they will not be turfed out for no valid reason.
“Today’s announcement is a major step forward and we look forward to continuing our work collaboratively with the sector and the Cook Government to deliver a fairer system for all renters.”
WACOSS CEO Louise Giolitto said: “We’re extremely pleased to see the State Government commit more funds to the Rent Relief program, which has already helped so many Western Australians who have been struggling to make ends meet during the persistent cost of living crisis.
“A commitment to removing no-grounds evictions is a massive win for tenants and comes after years of tireless work by the Make Renting Fair campaign.
“The introduction of minimum standards for renters is also a great victory, and we look forward to working with the government in designing this important reform.”
Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said: “These reforms are a fantastic step forward from the WA Government, and will provide security, stability, and dignity to WA renters. Ending No Grounds Evictions gives tenants the assurance they can assert their rights without worrying about losing a roof over their head.
“More and more West Australians are long-term renters, and with the housing crisis rapidly becoming an economic one, we have heard too many times renters have been afraid to even negotiate a rent increase for fear of eviction. Extending protections for renters is a sensible move that brings WA in line with the rest of the nation and works to keep people in their homes.
“We look forward to working with the Cook Government to get the details of these reforms right.”
See the Cook Government Media Statement here.
The Make Renting Fair Alliance is a coalition of 35 peak bodies, frontline service providers, and unions working together for secure, affordable, and healthy homes for the over 700,000 West Australians who rent.
Media contacts:
Lauren: 0422 581 506