How Often Can I Increase the Rent on My Perth Investment Property?
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For landlords and property investors in Perth, understanding when you can increase rent isn’t just good practice, it’s essential for planning your cash flow and staying compliant with Western Australia’s tenancy laws.
In 2025, the WA Government introduced significant rental reforms that changed the frequency with which rental rates can be adjusted. These changes now shape what you can and cannot do when reviewing rent on your investment property.
The new rules when increasing rent on your investment property.
Under the updated Western Australian rental laws:
- Rent can now only be increased once every 12 months for both periodic and fixed-term tenancies.
- Landlords must give at least 60 days’ written notice using the prescribed form before the new rent amount takes effect.
These changes replaced the previous regime, where rent increases could occur more frequently under the older Residential Tenancies Act rules.
What Else Do I Need To Know When Increasing Rent?
When increasing the rent on your investment property in Perth, every rent increase must:
- Using the correct prescribed form (Form 10).
- Be served, in accordance with the delivery method noted in the tenancy, at least 60 days before the proposed increase takes effect.
- No sooner than 12 months since the last increase,
- Check the lease agreement to ensure you’re able to increase the rent in accordance with the lease terms.
- State the amount the rent is increasing to and when.
If these steps aren’t followed, the increase may not be legally enforceable.
What This Means for Investors
- Budgeting for rent reviews: Plan rent reviews at annual intervals. Depending on market conditions, you may need to lower your rent in order to remain competitive.
- Lease structuring: You can negotiate rent reviews into long-term fixed leases but only if it’s permitted under the new 12-month rule.
Tips for Landlords
- Raising the rent isn’t always the right move. If a tenant decides to leave due to higher rents, even a short vacancy can quickly outweigh the benefits of a modest increase. You need to ask yourself whether an extra $20 a week is worth several weeks with no rental income.
- Keep good records of when the last rent increase occurred to ensure you comply with the 12-month minimum rule.
- Provide clear written notice to tenants using the correct government form to avoid disputes.
- If you’re unsure whether a rent increase is valid, consider consulting a professional property manager or seeking legal advice.
The 12-month limit on rent increases means Perth property investors and landlords need to plan rent reviews carefully and stay compliant with WA tenancy laws. With the right timing, documentation and advice, investors can still achieve fair market returns while maintaining positive tenant relationships.
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