On the page:

• How to resolve a problem
• Landlord retaliation
• Breaches of the agreement

• Illegal drug activity at a rental home

How to resolve a problem

If you have any problems with your rental home, contact your landlord or tenant first. Tell them the problem and give them time to fix it. You may be able figure out a solution together. If you cannot agree, Consumer Protection might be able to help you.

Getting help

Help is available for tenants and landlords to negotiate problems.

Consumer Protection

Consumer Protection can help landlords and tenants come to an agreement. We can assist with steps on resolving issues. If a formal complaint is made to us, we:

• contact both landlord and tenant to find out about the dispute and how we can help resolve the issue
• assess if there is a breach of the law or if it needs to be referred to another organisation
• aim to resolve issues within 30 days, but some complex issues may take longer
• cannot order resolutions; only courts or tribunals can.

Commissioner determinations

Commissioner determinations can help when tenants and landlords disagree about:

• keeping a pet
• making changes to the home
• bond disputes starting in 2025.

If the complaint isn't resolved

If the issue cannot be resolved, you will be told about other options, such as going to court or seeking independent legal advice.

Legal advice

The Tenancy Advice and Education Service (TAES). gives advice on tenancy-related legal issues.

Retaliatory action

Retaliatory action is when the landlord acts in response to the tenant using their rental rights. For example:

• a tenant’s agreement was not renewed because they made a complaint about their landlord visiting the home too much.
• a tenant’s rent was significantly increased because they asked for some basic maintenance or repairs.

The tenant can apply to the Magistrates Court to review the landlord’s action. For example: if the Magistrate thinks a rent increase is too high, they can order the landlord to reduce the rent and pay back some money to the tenant or stop an eviction.

Breaches of the agreement

Landlords and tenants can issue notices for breaches of the agreement. In some cases, a landlord or tenant can end the agreement.

You must use specific forms and follow a set process to issue a breach notice or end the agreement.

Breaches for tenants include:

• having a pet without permission
• missing rent payments
• damaging the home
• using the home for illegal activity
• causing a nuisance

Breaches for landlords include:

• entering the home without permission
• not following rent increases rules
• changing locks without consent
• not providing copies of the agreement or property condition reports

Consumer Protection can help you if you think your landlord or tenant has breached your agreement.

More information about issuing notices is available on rental forms and notices.

Illegal drug activity at a rental home

There are serious health and safety risks related to illegal drug activity. If you think a property is being used for illegal purposes contact WA Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If a rental home has been used for illegal activity, landlords must make sure the home is properly cleaned and repaired for future tenants.

The Department of Health's Illegal drug activity in homes: Managing Risk  A Guide for Occupants, Landlords, Property Managers and Agents covers reducing the health risk.