Western Australia Landlords Restricted to Increasing Rents Once a Year

West Australia (WA) landlords signing leases after July 29 will be restricted to raising rents once a year under state rental reforms. Any contracts finalised before July 29 will still include the current six monthly rent increases until the lease term ends. Renters will also be allowed to keep pets, except under exceptional circumstances, and make minor modifications, such as hanging pictures onto walls or installing a fly screen. Additionally, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection will now hear disputes concerning pets and minor modifications. Landlords can still refuse pets if local laws, strata by-laws, or written laws forbid animals, or if a good reason is provided to the commissioner....