The State Government is considering reforms to the Residential Tenancy Act which would give renters more power, including making it more difficult for landlords to evict tenants, and allowing tenants to make slight modifications to a home without needing permission.

Michelle Mackenzie, CEO of Shelter WA told Oliver Peterson on Perth Live that these proposed changes are exciting news as she believes renters have not had enough rights in the tenant and landlord relationship.

“The rental market as it stands is shocking. We’ve had members who have had families and individuals contact them for help as they’ve been evicted and can’t find an affordable rental. They’re just facing homelessness, so people are doing it really tough,” she told Oly.

“At the moment we know people who have been good tenants for a very long time, suddenly being evicted and then finding out the rent is going up significantly. What we want to do with this new law reform is to make sure there are prescribed grounds.”

Press PLAY to hear more on how this law reform could create more safety for tenants