Minimum Safety Standards for Rental Properties in Western Australia

What Perth landlords need to know

At D Residential Group, our Mount Lawley–based team of Perth property managers specialise in boutique property management for landlords who value compliance, asset protection and long-term performance. One area that continues to cause confusion for many property owners is minimum safety standards for rental properties in Western Australia.

These standards may not always be visible, but they underpin every tenancy. They determine whether a property can be legally advertised for rent, what level of safety a tenant is entitled to expect and how issues must be handled throughout the lease. Understanding these requirements is essential for reducing risk, avoiding disputes and ensuring your investment property is managed correctly.

What are minimum safety standards in WA?

Minimum safety standards set the legal baseline for whether a rental property is safe and fit for occupation. In Western Australia, these standards focus primarily on electrical safety, fire safety, security and child safety.

A rental property must meet these requirements before a tenancy begins and must continue to comply for the entire duration of the lease. If a property falls below standard at any point, the landlord is responsible for addressing the issue, particularly where tenant safety is involved.

The key safety requirements for WA rental properties

All residential rental properties in Western Australia must meet the following minimum safety standards.

Smoke alarms

Rental properties must have compliant smoke alarms installed and maintained in accordance with WA legislation. Smoke alarms must be operational at the start of the tenancy and checked at lease renewals. Failure to comply can result in infringement notices and significant penalties.

Residual Current Devices (RCDs)

RCDs must be installed at the switchboard to protect all power and lighting circuits. These devices are essential for reducing the risk of serious electrical injury and are mandatory in all WA rental properties.

Security locks

Secure locks must be fitted to:

• All external doors

• All windows that are accessible from the outside

These locks must be in working order at the start of the tenancy and maintained throughout.

External lighting

Working external lighting must be installed to improve safety and visibility around entrances and access points. This requirement is often overlooked, but it is enforceable and forms part of WA’s minimum safety standards.

Corded internal window coverings

Corded blinds and curtains can pose a serious safety risk to children. Landlords must ensure that any corded internal window coverings supplied meet current product safety requirements, including securing cords or chains so they are not accessible to children. Where possible, cordless window coverings are recommended.

Do these standards only apply at the start of a tenancy?

No. In Western Australia, minimum safety standards apply for the entire tenancy, not just at the beginning.

If a lock breaks, a smoke alarm fails or external lighting stops working, the issue must be addressed immediately. Safety obligations do not pause once a lease is signed.

What happens if a WA rental property is not compliant?

Non-compliance can expose landlords to:

• Infringement notices and fines

• Repair or compliance orders

• Tribunal action

• Increased liability if a tenant is injured

Safety-related breaches, particularly those involving smoke alarms and electrical safety are treated seriously under WA law.

Why proactive compliance matters

Most compliance issues we see are not deliberate. They happen when small items are missed, such as a blown globe, a faulty lock or a smoke alarm battery that has failed.

However, from a legal perspective, these details matter. Proactive compliance:

• Reduces emergency repairs

• Minimises tenant disputes

• Protects landlords from unnecessary risk

• Creates safer, more stable tenancies

How we help WA landlords stay compliant

At D Residential Group, safety compliance is embedded into how we manage properties day to day. Rather than treating compliance as a one-off task, we incorporate it into every stage of the tenancy lifecycle.

We assess safety requirements before a property is advertised, ensure smoke alarms, RCDs, locks, external lighting and corded window coverings are compliant, and monitor these items throughout the management. When safety-related maintenance arises, it is prioritised and addressed promptly, with clear communication and thorough documentation.

This ensures compliance is managed consistently and professionally, without landlords needing to stay across legislative detail themselves.

Final thoughts

Minimum safety standards for rental properties in Western Australia are not optional, and they are not just about avoiding penalties. They protect tenants, safeguard your investment and support stable, long-term tenancies.

If you have questions about general maintenance or any other aspect of Perth property management, our team is here to support you. At D Residential Group, we provide detail-oriented management, personalised service and a proactive approach that protects your investment and keeps your tenants well looked after.

If you would like to experience a boutique property management service that truly prioritises your asset, contact us today and discover the difference.