Mid West renters will have better security after rental reforms provide balance between tenants and investors

Current housing shortages have resulted in the State Government introducing new rental reforms to help balance renters and landlords. The rental market has been tight across the state, and the Mid West is no exception to this, but it will be helped out by the new reforms, as the option to rent becomes less unpredictable. Rent bidding has been abolished in the new reforms, which previously allowed landlords and property managers to pressure tenants into paying more than the advertised rent. Rents now have to be advertised under a fixed amount rather than being a range, prioritising fairness and ensures renters aren’t stuck paying more than required. REIWA chief executive officer Cath Hart said that banning rent bidding would help people in the private landlord market. “The reforms will set a clear standard everyone must adhere to, which should give tenants more confidence when looking for a rental property,” she said. On top of this, rent increases are now being limited to only once every 12 months, easing those who are struggling with the cost of living. REIWA Mid West branch chair Peta McKenzie said the reforms would provide more security to renters. “People opt for renting for a number of reasons. They might be waiting to buy or build, they, may part of a more transient workforce such as some teachers or the mining industry who don’t want to buy, they may be moving out of the family home for the first time,” she said. “These reforms are unlikely to make more people opt for renting, but will give renters more security.” The new reforms provide stability for many renters who might have struggled with rent increasing in the past, but will now know rises will be limited to once a year. “Many will welcome the financial stability of rent increases being limited to once per year, currently they can be increased every six months in a periodic tenancy,” Ms McKenzie said. “They can also be increased every six months in a fixed-term tenancy if it is written into the lease. Most fixed-term leases run for 12 months and in many cases the rent is only reviewed at the end of the lease anyway.” Furry friends now have the ability to come with people when they rent, are the reforms allow tenants to bring their pets and landlords will now need approval as well as reasonable grounds to deny pets at a rental. Ms Hart said the change still struck a healthy balance between tenants and landlords. “Investors generally want two things: the rent paid on time and their property taken care of,” she said. “The reform addresses that concern, with tenants required to restore the property to its original condition at the end of tenancy.”