14 August 2013

Important Seminar for Landlords

Consumer Protection is hosting free seminars across regional WA to explain recent changes to the law which will affect more than 38,500 private landlords who rent out properties across the State.

The changes arise from the commencement of a new version of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 on 1 July 2013.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said thousands of people had already attended sessions in metro Perth and it was equally important to communicate the significant changes to landlords in the regions.

"It is essential that landlords know their rights and obligations and I would urge anyone who rents out a property in WA to find out more about the changes to the Residential Tenancies Act.

"Key points covered in our free seminars will include:

* forms to use when putting new tenancy agreements in writing;
* ways for landlords to provide tenants with up-to-date information about their rights and obligations;
* compulsory property condition reports at the start and end of a tenancy;
* the need for security bonds to ALWAYS be deposited with the Bond Administrator at Consumer Protection; and
* minimum requirements for locks and security at rental properties."

Information about timing of rent increases, routine inspections and urgent repairs will also be given. The Commissioner said there were other ways for non-attendees to obtain the details.

"For anyone who cannot come to the seminars, we have developed an online training package and educational videos are available at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/tenancy<http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/tenancy> and these have already proved very popular."

Geraldton session dates and venues:

Geraldton (9920 9800) - Wednesday 14 August, Posh Events & Functions, 214 Marine Tce

Doors open at 5:30pm and seminars run from 6-7pm. (In Albany only there is an afternoon session running from 1-2pm, in addition to the evening session).

Because places at these seminars are limited it is important to register your intention to attend before coming to the seminars.

Register online at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/landlords<http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/landlords> or by calling your local regional office (number provided above) or emailing consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au<mailto:consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au>