We would like to inform you of an important update to the bond release and dispute process in Western Australia, which came into effect on 28 March 2026.
Introduced by Consumer Protection, this update represents the final phase of the reforms to the Residential Tenancies Act announced in May 2023. These changes are designed to simplify the bond release process, improve transparency, and reduce the number of disputes progressing to court.
At the conclusion of a tenancy, a final inspection must be completed and the outgoing Property Condition Report (PCR) provided to the tenant. Following this, the property manager or landlord and the tenant will discuss any issues and negotiate the bond disbursement.
If an agreement is reached, either party can submit a bond release application, with the other party notified to review and confirm the request. Tenants are encouraged to wait until these steps have been completed before initiating a bond release.
If an agreement cannot be reached, the matter will now proceed through a new Commissioner determination process. This allows both parties to submit evidence in support of their claim, or respond to the other party’s position.
This updated process is expected to deliver more consistent outcomes, reduce the need for court involvement, and improve transparency. Determinations will be published by Consumer Protection to help guide industry standards and expectations.
As part of these reforms, the pet bond has increased from $260 to $350 and can now be used for purposes beyond fumigation.
Overall, these changes aim to create a more efficient, transparent, and consistent process for all parties involved. If you have any questions about how these updates may impact your property, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
For more detailed information on the reforms, please visit the Consumer Protection website:
https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/wa-rent-reforms
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