INSIGHTS
- New bond process starts 28 March
- Less reliance on courts, with more consistent dispute decisions
- Strong inspections and reporting remain key to protecting your investment
From 28 March 2026, a new bond release and dispute process will come into effect in Western Australia, marking the final stage of the Residential Tenancies Act reforms first announced in 2023.
On the surface, this may feel like a procedural update. In reality, it has a direct impact on how efficiently your investment is managed at the end of a tenancy, particularly when it comes to accessing bond funds and resolving any disagreements.
At Realmark, we see this as a positive evolution in the way bonds are handled, bringing more structure and clarity to a process that has historically been inconsistent and time consuming.
Just as importantly, these changes we hope will create a clearer framework for tenants, which helps support more balanced and transparent outcomes.
Why the bond remains so important
For investors, the rental bond is one of the most important safeguards in place. Whether it’s covering damage beyond fair wear and tear, unpaid rent, or cleaning and rectification costs, the bond ensures there is a fair and structured way to recover expenses if something hasn’t gone to plan.
What’s changing and why it matters for your investment
The biggest shift is the introduction of a more structured end-of-tenancy process.
Before a bond can be released, your property manager will complete the final inspection and provide the outgoing Property Condition Report. From there, there is an expectation that any issues are discussed and, ideally, resolved between all parties before a formal application is made.
For you as an investor, this reinforces the importance of thorough reporting and good communication. The stronger the documentation, the stronger your position if there is ever a disagreement.
If both parties agree on how the bond should be distributed, the process becomes quite straightforward. Either side can submit the release request, and the other simply confirms it. In these cases, we expect the process to feel more efficient and streamlined than before.
It is important to provide timely and clear instructions to your property manager to take advantage of the process and proceed with fairness having regard to established precedents and experience (you will note below that decisions of the Commissioner will now be published).
A new approach to disputes
Where this reform really changes the landscape is in how disputes are handled.
Instead of automatically progressing through the court system, unresolved claims will now go through a Commissioner determination process. Both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence, and a decision will be made based on that information.
For investors, this is a meaningful shift. It reduces the need to attend court, lowers the administrative burden, and introduces a more consistent decision-making framework. Historically, outcomes could vary depending on the court or magistrate. This new model is expected to deliver more predictability. This version of this was tested during the distruption of Covid and we found the process was smoother for all stakeholders.
There is also an added layer of transparency, with decisions to be published by Consumer Protection. Over time, this will help set clearer expectations around what is considered fair and reasonable, which ultimately benefits everyone in the market.
A small but relevant change for pet owners
Another update worth noting is the increase to the pet bond, rising from $260 to $350. It can now also be used for more than just fumigation, offering broader coverage for pet-related impacts.
As more tenants seek pet-friendly homes, this provides a little more reassurance for investors who are open to accommodating them.
Supporting you through the changes
Realmark is a proud member of REIWA, who have developed a good summary and practical flowcharts to help landlords, tenants and property managers navigate these changes with confidence.
https://members.reiwa.com.au
There is also further guidance available from the WA Government, which outlines the broader rental reforms these changes form part of:
https://www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/wa-rent-reforms
The bottom line
These reforms are designed to create a more efficient, transparent and consistent system and for investors, that’s a welcome step forward.
We believe that investors can expect fewer court-based disputes, more clarity in outcomes, and a smoother process. At the same time, the fundamentals remain unchanged. Well-managed properties, detailed condition reports, and proactive communication continue to be the key to protecting your investment.
At Realmark, we’re here to guide you through these changes and ensure your property continues to perform with confidence.
If you’d like to understand how this applies to your investment, your Realmark residentail property mangement expert is ready to help. You can find your local team here.