Protect Your Rental History — What Every Perth Tenant Should Know

Renting a property in Western Australia comes with rights — but it also comes with responsibilities. Being a good tenant isn’t just about following the rules. It directly affects your rental history, your ability to secure future properties, and your relationship with your landlord and property manager throughout the tenancy.

Here’s what it actually means to be a good tenant — and why it matters more than most renters realise.

 

 

1.   Pay Your Rent On Time, Every Time

This sounds obvious but it’s the single most important thing you can do as a tenant. Rent is due on the date specified in your lease — not a few days later when it’s convenient.

Why it matters:

• Late rent is recorded and can appear on tenancy databases such as the National Tenancy Database
• Consistent late payment is grounds for a termination notice under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA)
• A clean rent payment history is one of the first things a future property manager will check when you apply for another property

Practical tip: Set up an automatic payment from your bank account the day before rent is due. Remove the risk of forgetting entirely.

 

 

2.   Look After the Property as if It Were Your Own

You are not the owner — but you are responsible for keeping the property in the same condition it was in when you moved in, excluding normal wear and tear. What this means in practice:

• Report maintenance issues promptly rather than ignoring them — a small leak left unreported becomes a much bigger problem and you may be held responsible if damage worsens due to your failure to report it
• Keep the property reasonably clean and tidy
• Maintain the garden if that is your responsibility under the lease
• Avoid causing damage — accidental damage should be reported honestly

 

Fair wear and tear are normal deterioration from everyday living — scuff marks on walls, minor carpet wear, faded paint. It does not include holes in walls, stains, broken fittings or damage caused by neglect.

 

 

3.   Communicate Openly and Promptly

A good tenant communicates. If something needs fixing, report it in writing. If you’re going to be late with rent, let your property manager know before the due date — not after. If your circumstances change, don’t go quiet.

Property managers deal with hundreds of tenancies. The tenants who stand out

positively are the ones who communicate clearly and honestly, even when the news isn’t great.

What to always put in writing:

• Maintenance requests
• Any damage that occurs
• Requests to make alterations or keep a pet
• Notice of intention to vacate

Written communication protects both you and your landlord and avoids disputes at the end of the tenancy.

 

 

4.   Understand Your Lease — And Stick to It

Your lease is a legally binding contract. Read it before you sign it and make sure you understand what you have agreed to.

Key things to know:

• The lease start and end date and what happens at the end — fixed term vs periodic tenancy
• Whether you need permission to have pets — always get this in writing
• What alterations, if any, are permitted
• Your notice period if you wish to vacate
• Who is responsible for what — garden maintenance, pool care, pest control

 

Breaking a lease early in WA can result in costs including re-letting fees and rent until a new tenant is found or the lease ends, whichever comes first. Always seek advice before breaking a lease early.

 

 

5.   Respect the Neighbours and the Neighbourhood

Your landlord is responsible for ensuring you do not cause nuisance to neighbours. Repeated noise complaints, antisocial behaviour or disputes with neighbours can result in your tenancy being terminated.

This includes:

• Keeping noise to reasonable levels, particularly late at night
• Managing visitors and guests appropriately
• Keeping common areas tidy in strata properties
• Following any by-laws if you are in a strata complex

 

 

6.   Give Proper Notice When You Want to Leave

When you decide to move on, follow the correct process. In WA, the notice period depends on your lease type:

• Fixed term lease ending — you are generally required to give at least 30 days written notice before the end date
• Periodic tenancy — 21 days written notice is required

Give your notice in writing, keep a copy, and confirm it has been received. Leaving without proper notice can result in costs and a negative tenancy record.

 

 

Why Your Rental History Matters

Perth’s rental market is competitive. When you apply for a new property, your property manager will contact your previous landlord or property manager and ask how you were as a tenant. They will check whether you paid rent on time, how you left the property, and whether there were any issues during the tenancy.

A strong rental history opens doors. A poor one can see your application passed over in favour of someone with a cleaner record — regardless of your income or references.

Being a good tenant cost nothing. The habits above simply require a little care and consistency — and they pay dividends every time you apply for a new home.

 

Looking for a well-managed rental property in Perth? Maximus Real Estate manages a portfolio of quality rental properties across the metropolitan area. Get in touch to find out what’s currently available.

 

 

This content is general in nature and is based on Western Australian legislation and market conditions as of 2026. Legislation and tenancy laws change — always verify current requirements and seek advice appropriate to your circumstances. Maximus Real Estate does not provide legal, financial or investment advice.

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