Western Australian Tenants
Welcome to Home in Place
In Western Australia, Home in Place supports tenants through a growing portfolio of homes and services, working closely with local partners and communities.
We encourage tenants to stay informed and connected through opportunities to participate, attend events and share their experiences. Tenant feedback, events and stories help inform how we deliver services and continue to improve outcomes for tenants.
Paying your rent
We offer a range of rent payment options to suit different circumstances. Paying rent on time helps maintain your tenancy and supports the ongoing management and upkeep of your home.
Information about available payment methods, statements and support options is provided on our Rent, payments and bonds page.
If you are experiencing financial difficulty or anticipate trouble paying rent, please contact your Tenancy Relations Officer as early as possible. Early contact allows us to discuss support options and, where appropriate, work with you to find a solution.
Rental bonds
A rental bond is payable when signing your Residential Tenancy Agreement.
For Western Australia tenants, the bond payable is equivalent to four weeks of market rent. Where consent has been given to keep a pet, Home in Place may request a pet bond, which will not exceed $260.
If you are unable to pay the bond in full, please speak with your Tenancy Relations Officer before signing your lease. In some cases, a payment plan may be arranged.
All rental bond payments are lodged with the relevant Bond Authority in accordance with legislation.
Rent reviews
In Western Australia, tenants’ rent is typically reviewed annually, or more frequently if a tenant’s household income changes.
Market rents are reviewed to ensure they align with current property valuations and relevant housing policy. Tenants are notified in writing of any rent adjustments and advised when changes take effect.
Tenancy services and support
If you’re renting in Western Australia and experiencing housing stress, there is help available. Whether you’re living in public housing or renting privately, these services are here to support you to stay housed and manage your tenancy.
WA Rent Relief Program
The WA Rent Relief Program is an initiative that aims to keep Western Australians with private tenancies in their homes.
The WA Rent Relief Program offers a single payment of up to $5,000 per household, supporting private tenants to continue their tenancy by:
- Clearing rental arrears.
- In some circumstances, providing a 50% contribution to future rent costs for up to three months.
- Paying rent relief directly to the landlord or property manager – if agreement is made to continue the tenancy.
- Facilitating access to financial, social and advocacy supports
Public Tenancy Support
Public Tenancy Support supports people living in public housing provided by the Western Australian Department of Communities, who are in danger of losing their tenancy.
For tenants who are eligible for the service, housing support workers will visit them in their home, assess their situation and help plan a solution that best suits them.
The service can help to address problems including rental arrears, housing conditions and cleanliness, and anti-social behaviour. The support workers can negotiate and advocate on the tenant’s behalf, assist with budgeting, assist with filling in paperwork, and show the tenant appropriate methods of house keeping and home management.
The service is designed to provide immediate assistance to solve the current problems, but also to arm the tenant with the knowledge and capacity to retain their tenancy independently.
Housing options
The WA Government, Australian Government and non-government organisations provide several types of housing options to Western Australians who have a housing need and receive a low to moderate income.
These products include rental housing options, rental assistance, and information on tenant rights. Eligibility criteria varies from product to product.
To receive advice on your options based on your current household circumstances, and to find out what products you may be eligible for, contact your local Department of Communities (Communities) Housing office to complete a Housing Options Assessment.
For information about the Housing Options Assessment, and to download the Assessment form, please visit the Housing Options Assessment webpage.
Tenancy advice and education service
Help is available for residential tenants who need further advice, require assistance in negotiating with their landlord or property manager, or have a tenancy-related legal issue through the Tenancy Advice and Education Service (TAES).
TAES is delivered by community legal centres across Western Australia. Community legal centres are independent, community-based organisations that provide free, or low cost, legal help. They can provide residential tenants with information, assistance and support.
Circle Green offers state-wide telephone-based assistance, or you can contact one of the TAES providers listed below that are closest to you.
Green Circle Community Legal
Green Circle provide quality legal services, including advice, further assistance, representation, education, advocacy, information, and referrals to residential tenants anywhere in Western Australia.
They help tenants in:
- Private rentals
- Public rentals
- Community housing
- Boarding, lodging or accommodation agreements
- Long-stay caravan park residents
Water usage
Water usage is charged in line with Western Australian legislation. Where applicable, tenants are responsible for paying water usage charges for their home.
Water charges are shown separately on tenant statements and are payable in addition to rent. This helps ensure transparency about how charges are calculated and applied.
For more information please refer to our Policies page.
Housing transfers
If you are an existing Home in Place tenant in Western Australia, you may be eligible to apply for a transfer to another property managed by Home in Place.
Transfers are assessed in line with program requirements and availability, and are generally considered where a tenant’s current property no longer meets their household needs.
To discuss eligibility for a transfer, please contact your Tenancy Relations Officer.
Complaints and feedback
We are committed to listening to tenants and responding to concerns fairly, respectfully and in a timely way.
Feedback helps us understand what is working well and where we can improve, while complaints provide an opportunity to address issues and resolve them appropriately.
Information on how to make a complaint or provide feedback, including what to expect during the process, is available on our complaints and feedback page.
Emergencies and useful information
In an emergency, your safety is the priority. Information about what to do in urgent situations, including who to contact and where to seek help, is available on our emergency information page.
We also provide links to a range of external services and support organisations that may be helpful at different times. This includes health, financial, legal and community support services.
You can find these resources on our useful links page.
