Perth Landlord Rodent Control Bylaws - WA

Public Health and Welfare Western Australia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

In Perth, Western Australia, landlords must manage rodent risks on rental properties to protect tenant health and community amenity. Local government and state public health legislation allocate duties for prevention, remediation and reporting; landlords should act promptly when infestations appear, document inspections and engage licensed pest controllers where required. This guide explains the practical duties under Perth local enforcement, how prosecutions and orders work, what evidence to keep, and where landlords and tenants can report problems in Perth, Western Australia.

Overview of duties

Landlords have a proactive duty to ensure premises do not harbour pests that create a public health risk. Typical responsibilities include maintaining building fabric to deny rodent entry, keeping yard waste contained, removing harbourage, and arranging timely pest treatment between tenancies. Tenancy agreements commonly allocate day-to-day cleanliness to tenants, but structural and preventative measures remain the landlords obligation in many local-law schemes.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary enforcement for public health nuisances such as rodent infestations is undertaken by the local governments environmental health officers and rangers, using powers under state public health legislation and the councils local laws. Inspection and complaint pathways are available through the City of Perth rangers and community safety contacts City of Perth Rangers[1], and enforcement powers are supported by the Public Health Act 2016 (WA) as the controlling state statute Public Health Act 2016 (WA)[2].

Report rodent problems early to avoid escalated penalties.
  • Enforcer: Environmental Health Officer / Council Ranger (local council by-law enforcement).
  • Inspection powers: officers may inspect premises and require access to common areas.
  • Prevention orders: councils can issue notices requiring rectification of defects or removal of harbourage.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first/repeat/continuing offence ranges - not specified on the cited page.
  • Court action: councils may prosecute or seek orders in a magistrates court for non-compliance.
  • Appeals/time limits: appeal or review routes depend on the notice type and are handled via the council procedures or court review - time limits are not specified on the cited page.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Poor building maintenance allowing rodent entry - potential rectification notice or order.
  • Untidy yards with food sources or harbourage - notice to remove materials and clear the site.
  • Failure to engage pest control after notice - possible prosecution or further enforcement order.

Applications & Forms

Councils typically accept complaints via an online report or rangers contact page and may issue written notices; a dedicated centralised "rodent control" permit form is not universally published. For City of Perth reporting and contact details see the official ranger and community safety page.[1]

Evidence such as photos and dates helps inspections proceed faster.

Action steps for landlords

  • Inspect building fabric and seal entry points promptly.
  • Engage a licensed pest controller and keep treatment records and invoices.
  • Provide tenants with instructions on waste storage and reporting procedures.
  • Report persistent infestations to the local council for inspection and enforcement.

FAQ

Who enforces rodent control rules in Perth?
Local government environmental health officers and rangers enforce public health local laws and the Public Health Act 2016 (WA). [1][2]
Can a landlord be fined for a tenant-caused infestation?
Yes, landlords may receive notices if the property condition or building defects cause a public health risk; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited page.
How do I report a rodent problem?
Report to your local councils ranger or environmental health unit via the council's online report or contact page. [1]

How-To

  1. Document the problem: take dated photos, note complaints and tenant reports.
  2. Engage a licensed pest controller and obtain a written treatment plan and invoice.
  3. Rectify structural defects that allow entry - close gaps, repair walls and screens.
  4. If infestation persists, contact council environmental health for inspection and follow any notices issued.

Key Takeaways

  • Landlords must act promptly to prevent and remediate rodent risks to protect tenant health.
  • Keep records of inspections, treatments and communications to show compliance.
  • Use council reporting channels when infestations continue after treatment.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Perth - Rangers and Community Safety
  2. [2] Public Health Act 2016 (WA) - WA Legislation

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