Perth Accessible Housing - Tenant Rights & Bylaws

Perth, Western Australia tenants with disability needs can request accessible housing modifications and rely on a mix of City of Perth policies, building approvals and state tenancy rules to protect their rights. This guide explains who enforces requirements, how to seek approvals, and practical steps for asking landlords or the City for reasonable adjustments. It focuses on local processes in Perth and points to official sources for applications, complaints and dispute resolution to help tenants act with confidence and keep records.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City of Perth and state building authorities enforce planning, building and local law requirements for works that affect accessibility; tenancy disputes are overseen by state tenancy regulators and tribunals. Where a work requires a building approval or contravenes a local law, the enforcing department can issue notices, orders to remediate, and pursue prosecution or court action. Information on local access policy and council responsibilities is published by the City of Perth^[1], while building approvals and standards are handled via the City building services^[2] and state building regulators^[3].

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited pages^[1].
• Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited pages^[1].
• Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, removal or alteration orders, and court proceedings are available under local laws and building legislation; specific orders are set out in enforcement notices on the respective pages^[2].
• Enforcer and contact: City of Perth Building Services and By-law Enforcement handle inspections and complaints; contact details are on the City pages listed below^[2].
• Appeals and review: appeal routes include state tribunals or court review; time limits and pathways are set by the relevant act or tribunal rules and are not specified on the cited City pages^[3].

Common violations and typical outcomes

• Unapproved structural alterations affecting fire egress or access - subject to orders to remediate and possible prosecution (amounts not specified).
• Failure to comply with building approval conditions - compliance notices and remedial directions.
• Unauthorized rental unit modifications that breach local planning or tenancy rules - possible fines or tribunal orders.

Applications & Forms

Required forms depend on the work: building permit applications, development or planning applications, and any City of Perth access requests. The City publishes guidance for building approvals and lodgement pathways on its building approvals page^[2]. For tenancy-related applications or dispute forms, the state tenancy regulator and tribunal provide forms and instructions^[3].

• Building approval application: refer to the City of Perth building approvals page for required documentation and submission method; specific form numbers are listed on that page^[2].
• Tenancy dispute forms: state tribunal application forms are provided by the WA tribunal or consumer protection pages^[3].
• Fees: fees for building approvals and applications are set by the City and appear on the City pages; where not shown, fee amounts are not specified on the cited pages^[2].

How to get approved accessible modifications

Below are practical action steps for tenants and advocates to secure lawful modifications and manage disputes.

1. Gather medical or accessibility evidence and take photos of the property and the proposed changes.
2. Contact the landlord in writing requesting reasonable modifications; keep a dated copy.
3. If structural works are needed, contact City of Perth Building Services to confirm whether a building approval or planning permit is required^[2].
4. If the landlord refuses, consider lodging a tenancy dispute or applying to the tribunal; follow forms on the state tenancy pages^[3].
5. If a local law or unapproved work poses a safety or access hazard, report to City of Perth By-law Enforcement or Building Services immediately^[2].

FAQ

Can I make accessibility changes to a rental property myself?

Generally you should get the landlord's written consent and check whether building approvals or permits are required; for structural changes obtain the necessary City and state approvals.

Who enforces accessible housing rules in Perth?

City of Perth Building Services and By-law Enforcement enforce local approvals and compliance, while tenancy disputes go to state tenancy regulators or tribunals.

What if a landlord refuses reasonable modifications?

Keep written records and evidence, seek conciliation through the state tenancy service, and if needed apply to the tribunal for an order.

How-To

1. Document the need and proposed modification with medical evidence and photos.
2. Request the modification in writing from the landlord and propose reasonable alternatives.
3. Check City of Perth building approval requirements and lodge any required applications before starting work^[2].
4. If refused, lodge a tenancy dispute with the state tribunal and provide all evidence and correspondence^[3].
5. If the issue involves unapproved building work or a safety concern, report to City of Perth By-law Enforcement or Building Services for inspection^[2].

Key Takeaways

• Always document requests and keep dated copies.
• Structural changes often need City approvals; check before you start.
• Use state tenancy dispute processes if a landlord refuses reasonable modifications.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Perth contact and enquiries
• City of Perth building approvals
• WA Consumer Protection - Residential Tenancies
• City of Perth - Disability Access and Inclusion

1. [1] City of Perth - Disability Access and Inclusion
2. [2] City of Perth - Building approvals
3. [3] Government of Western Australia - Residential Tenancies Act