Request Housing Modifications in Perth - Bylaw Guide

Perth, Western Australia tenants and homeowners often need reasonable housing modifications for accessibility or disability needs. This guide explains local planning and building considerations, tenancy rights, who enforces rules, and how to apply or appeal decisions in Perth.

Overview of rights and local rules

Requests for permanent or structural changes may require landlord consent, development or building approval from the City of Perth, and may engage state tenancy and anti-discrimination laws. Tenants should request permission in writing and keep records of communications. For tenancy-specific guidance see the official residential tenancies guidance for Western Australia Residential tenancies - Consumer Protection WA^[1].

When city planning or building approval is needed

Small, non-structural adjustments (grab rails, ramps on removable frames) often do not need planning approval but may still require building approval if they affect structure, plumbing or services. Major changes such as extensions, structural ramps, or changes that alter the building envelope typically need a development or building permit from the local government and compliance with the Building Code of Australia as applied in Western Australia.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement depends on the controlling instrument: tenancy disputes use state tenancy complaint pathways, while unapproved building or development work is enforced by the City of Perth under planning and building legislation and local laws. Exact penalty figures for unauthorised tenant modifications are not specified on the cited tenancy guidance page; local building penalties are set under building and planning legislation or local laws and may vary by offence and notice.^[1]

• Fines: not specified on the cited tenancy guidance page; local government fines for unauthorised building/development are set in relevant legislation or local laws.
• Escalation: first notices, infringement notices, and court action for continuing breaches (ranges and procedures not specified on the cited tenancy guidance page).
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to restore premises, stop-work orders, building orders and prosecution in courts.
• Enforcer: City of Perth planning/building compliance for approvals and the WA tenancy dispute bodies for tenant-landlord disagreements.
• Appeals/reviews: appeals against local government notices or building orders proceed through the statutory review or courts; time limits vary by instrument and are not specified on the cited tenancy guidance page.

Applications & Forms

The WA Consumer Protection residential tenancies guidance does not publish a standard statewide tenant alteration form; tenants should provide a written request and keep a copy for records and follow any landlord or strata/formal application process where relevant.^[1]

• Tenants: send a written modification request to the landlord or agent and retain proof.
• Owners/Applicants: check City of Perth planning and building pages for any required development or building application forms prior to works.

Practical steps to request modifications

• Step 1: Describe the modification, purpose, and proposed works in writing.
• Step 2: Send the request to the landlord or strata manager and request written consent or reasons for refusal.
• Step 3: If landlord consents, confirm conditions in writing (e.g., who pays, restoration obligations).
• Step 4: If building or planning approval is needed, lodge the required City of Perth applications before starting work.
• Step 5: If refused, consider mediation or a tenancy dispute application through WA dispute resolution services or seek review of any local government orders.

Common violations and typical outcomes

• Installing fixed ramps without approval: likely stop-work order and requirement to regularise or remove works.
• Altering electrical or plumbing without a licensed contractor: building compliance action and potential fines.
• Failing to restore premises when required by lease: compensation or restoration order.

FAQ

Can a tenant make accessibility modifications without landlord consent?

Generally no; tenants should request written consent and may seek dispute resolution if consent is unreasonably refused.

Who enforces unauthorised building work in Perth?

City of Perth planning and building compliance teams enforce local planning and building rules; tenancy disputes are handled by WA tenancy dispute bodies.

Are there standard forms to request modifications?

No standard statewide tenant alteration form is published on the WA residential tenancies guidance page; provide a clear written request and retain records.^[1]

How-To

1. Write a clear modification request stating the accessibility need, proposed works and proposed contractor or materials.
2. Send the request to the landlord/agent and keep proof of delivery.
3. If consent is given with conditions, obtain these in writing and follow any permit or approval steps required by the City of Perth.
4. If consent is refused, seek tenancy dispute resolution or mediation, and document all steps for any review or appeal.

Key Takeaways

• Always request landlord consent in writing and keep records.
• Check City of Perth planning and building requirements before starting structural works.
• Use WA tenancy dispute services if consent is unreasonably refused.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Perth - Contact Planning & Building
• City of Perth - Building and Development
• Consumer Protection WA - Residential Tenancies and dispute assistance

1. [1] Consumer Protection WA - Residential tenancies guidance