Perth Tenancy Anti-Discrimination Bylaws

Civil Rights and Equity Western Australia 3 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Introduction

Perth, Western Australia tenants and landlords must follow state anti-discrimination obligations that affect renting and accommodation decisions. This guide explains how anti-discrimination rules apply in practice in Perth, which agencies enforce them, and what steps a tenant or landlord can take if they suspect unlawful discrimination. It covers the primary legal instruments used to address discrimination in housing, common prohibited grounds, typical enforcement routes and practical action steps to file complaints and protect tenancy rights in Perth, Western Australia.

Start by documenting dates, messages and witnesses before making a complaint.

Relevant law and authority

Anti-discrimination in housing in Perth is governed primarily by Western Australian equal opportunity legislation and related tenancy rules. The state Equal Opportunity Act and residential tenancy laws provide the legal framework; practical complaint handling is managed by the Equal Opportunity Commission WA and consumer/tenancy regulators.

Penalties & Enforcement

Overview: Remedies for tenancy discrimination come from state equal opportunity processes and civil remedies; criminal penalties are not the primary mechanism for most discrimination claims in housing.

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page [1].
  • Escalation: first, conciliation and orders; repeat or continuing breaches may lead to enforced orders or civil remedies—specific escalation ranges are not specified on the cited page [1].
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: complaints can be made to the Equal Opportunity Commission WA for discrimination in accommodation; administrative conciliation is typical and alternative tribunal or court proceedings may follow [2].
  • Non-monetary sanctions: possible orders include ceasing discriminatory conduct, apologies, and directives; court orders or undertakings are available where the commission refers matters onward.
  • Appeals and review: appeal or judicial review routes depend on the decision-maker; specific statutory time limits are not specified on the cited page [1].
If you face immediate eviction or harassment, seek urgent advice and keep evidence safe.

Applications & Forms

The Equal Opportunity Commission WA provides complaint lodgement guidance and forms where relevant; if no formal form is published for a particular remedy, the cited page states the process rather than a numbered form [2].

  • Complaint form presence: see the commission guidance for lodgement steps and required information [2].
  • Fees: filing or administrative fees are not specified on the cited pages.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Refusing to rent based on race, sex, disability or family status — may lead to conciliation and orders.
  • Discriminatory terms in tenancy agreements — may be removed or ordered amended.
  • Harassment or victimisation following a complaint — can attract remedies and protective orders.

Practical action steps

  • Document: record dates, emails, messages, adverts and witness names.
  • Contact the Equal Opportunity Commission WA for guidance and lodging a complaint [2].
  • Consider tenancy dispute resolution with the relevant state tenancy service or tribunal where remedies concern tenancy terms.
  • If urgent safety or unlawful eviction occurs, seek immediate legal or police assistance.
Keep copies of all correspondence and any tenancy agreements as evidence.

FAQ

Can a landlord refuse to rent to someone because of their race?
No. Refusing to rent on the basis of protected attributes such as race is prohibited; complain to the Equal Opportunity Commission WA.
What should I do if I experience discrimination when applying for a rental?
Gather evidence, contact the Equal Opportunity Commission WA for advice and consider lodging a complaint; you can also seek tenancy dispute assistance.
Are there fines for landlords who discriminate?
Specific monetary fines are not specified on the cited legislative page; remedies commonly involve orders, conciliation outcomes or civil relief [1].

How-To

  1. Record the incident: note dates, names, messages and save adverts or screenshots.
  2. Contact the Equal Opportunity Commission WA for early advice and to check eligibility to lodge a complaint.
  3. Lodge a complaint using the commission process or seek assistance from the state tenancy regulator if the issue is tenancy-specific.
  4. Participate in conciliation where offered; if unresolved, consider tribunal or court options with legal advice.
Early contact with the commission often helps resolve issues without litigation.

Key Takeaways

  • Discrimination in tenancy is addressed under Western Australian equal opportunity law and handled by state agencies.
  • Document incidents and use the Equal Opportunity Commission WA complaint pathway for housing discrimination.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) - legislation.wa.gov.au
  2. [2] Equal Opportunity Commission WA - housing discrimination guidance

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