Perth Water Conservation Bylaws for Tenants

Utilities and Infrastructure Western Australia 4 Minutes Read · published February 11, 2026 Flag of Western Australia

Perth, Western Australia tenants must follow local and state water-conservation rules that aim to reduce waste, manage outdoor watering and respond to seasonal restrictions. This guide explains tenant responsibilities, common breaches landlords and tenants should watch for, how enforcement works in Perth, and practical steps to report problems or seek an exemption. Where official guidance exists it is cited so tenants can check the primary source for their address and tenancy agreement.

What rules apply to tenants?

Tenants are bound by a mix of state water restrictions and local council requirements that affect outdoor watering schedules, use of sprinklers, and management of leaks. Primary operational guidance and declared restriction levels are published by the state water utility and local council environment pages Water Corporation - water restrictions[1] and the City of Perth environment pages City of Perth - waterwise[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Official pages list the prohibited activities and how restrictions are applied, but specific monetary fines or penalty schedules are often set by enforcement notices or local laws and may not be itemised on the primary guidance pages. Where a fine amount or specific penalty is not shown on the cited official page it is stated as "not specified on the cited page" below.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page for statewide guidance; local infringement amounts may be set by individual councils and are not listed on the cited guidance pages.
  • Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence handling is not specified on the cited guidance pages; councils or the utility may issue infringement notices or warning letters.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, notices to repair leaks, temporary restrictions on water use, or referral to courts are possible where local laws or state statutes allow; specific measures are not detailed on the cited guidance pages.
  • Enforcer: enforcement is delivered by the Water Corporation for declared restrictions and by local council by-law officers for council rules; contact details and reporting paths are on the official pages cited below.[1]
  • Appeals/review: appeal routes and time limits depend on the issuing body (infringement notice issuer or council) and are not specified on the cited guidance pages.
Report significant leaks promptly to your landlord and the utility to limit damage and potential liability.

Applications & Forms

Exemptions, permits or relief (for example temporary watering allowances during establishment of new turf) may be handled by the local council or the Water Corporation; specific form names or application numbers are not listed on the general guidance pages cited here.[2]

  • No single statewide tenant exemption form is published on the primary guidance pages; tenants should contact the issuing body for application details.
  • To request an exemption or report a restriction-related issue, use the contact channels on the council or utility pages cited in this article.

Practical compliance steps for tenants

  • Check declared restriction levels on the Water Corporation page and follow the permitted watering times and methods.[1]
  • Report leaks to your landlord immediately and follow up in writing if repairs are delayed.
  • Keep a copy of any council communications, notices or exemption approvals as evidence.
  • If you receive an infringement, contact the issuer promptly to confirm appeal routes and time limits.
Tenants should include dates and photos when reporting leaks or breaches to help enforcement and repair.

Common violations

  • Watering outside allowed times with sprinklers or irrigation systems.
  • Allowing significant leaks or running taps that waste water.
  • Using hoses for washing hard surfaces where prohibited under local rules.

FAQ

Who enforces water restrictions in Perth?
The Water Corporation enforces declared state water restrictions and local councils enforce council rules; check the official pages for your area for details.[1]
Can a tenant be fined for a water breach?
Yes — authorities may issue infringement notices or compliance orders; specific fine amounts are not specified on the cited guidance pages and can vary by issuer.[2]
What should I do if I find a leak in a rental property?
Notify your landlord or property manager immediately in writing and report urgent leaks to the utility where required; keep records of your reports.
Are exemptions available for new gardens or construction work?
Some councils or the utility may grant temporary permits or advice; no single form is listed on the primary guidance pages cited here, so contact the issuer directly.[2]

How-To

  1. Confirm the current restriction level for your address on the Water Corporation page and note permitted watering times.[1]
  2. Report leaks to your landlord in writing and, if required, notify the Water Corporation via their contact channels.
  3. If you receive a notice, follow the instructions, preserve evidence and ask the issuer about appeal procedures and deadlines.
  4. Adopt waterwise practices: drip irrigation, mulching, and using hoses with trigger nozzles to reduce risk of breaches.

Key Takeaways

  • Tenants must follow both state restriction rules and local council bylaws where they apply.
  • Report leaks immediately to reduce harm and potential penalties.
  • Keep records of reports, notices and any exemption approvals.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Water Corporation - water restrictions
  2. [2] City of Perth - waterwise

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