Fair Trading Minister Doug Shave has urged the State’s landlords to make sure they lodge bond money correctly.
“When bond money is lodged in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act, the interests of both owners and tenants are protected, and disputes between parties are minimised,” Mr Shave said.
Speaking in Broome, Mr Shave said the Ministry of Fair Trading was aware landlords in regional areas were less likely to follow proper bond lodgement procedures. He also acknowledged that this situation possibly occurred because they lacked proper information or believed the process would be too difficult.
“Another factor is that a larger proportion of country homes are rental properties, compared with the Perth metropolitan area,” the Minister said.
“About 43 per cent of the properties in Broome and 51 per cent of the properties in Port Hedland townsite are rented, compared with just 27 per cent of those in Perth and Mandurah.”
Mr Shave said landlords could choose to lodge bonds either for free with the Bond Administrator at the Ministry of Fair Trading, or with an authorised financial institution. “The Ministry of Fair Trading bond administration office is located in Perth, but a well-established system is in place for landlords to lodge bonds by post, and the majority already do this,” he said. “The Ministry also strives to improve access to information for landlords, as well as tenants.”
If people need advice on bond lodgement or other tenancy issues, they can always contact the Ministry’s regional offices, in Karratha, Kalgoorlie, Bunbury, Geraldton, Albany, or use the Ministry’s 1300 30 40 54 call number. Under the Act, landlords may set bonds at no more than four weeks’ rent, except in certain circumstances, such as the weekly rent being more than $500.