Landlord FAQs
Engaging a property manager to look after your investment should feel simple, informed, and stress-free. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive from Perth landlords.
Why should I use Perth Rental Specialists to manage my property?
At Perth Rental Specialists, we provide a premium standard of care focused on protecting your investment and giving you peace of mind.
We don’t just manage properties, we build long-term relationships, minimise risk, and focus on maximising your return. With extensive experience in property management and local rental market knowledge, we offer personalised, strategic advice tailored to your goals. From leasing and compliance to maintenance and communication, your investment is managed with care and professionalism at every step.
How do I switch to Perth Rental Specialists from my current agent?
It's simple. We take care of the entire process. Once engaged, we’ll contact your current property manager, collect all keys, documentation, and tenancy files, and notify your tenant of the change. There is no disruption to your property’s management, just a smooth, stress-free handover.
What are my compliance obligations as a landlord?
All rental properties in WA must meet minimum safety and compliance standards. We work with trusted professionals to ensure your property meets requirements for smoke alarms, RCDs, pool/spa barriers, blind cords, and more. We’ll help keep your property compliant and safe for tenants.
How much rent can I expect to achieve?
Rental values are influenced by market demand, property presentation, and comparable listings in the area. We’ll provide a comprehensive rental appraisal and honest guidance on where your property sits in the current market, helping you secure the best return without overpricing.
How long will it take to find a tenant?
Properties that are well-presented, priced appropriately, and marketed professionally tend to lease quickly. We focus on attracting high-quality tenants through strong advertising and thorough application screening. While quick leasing is important, tenant quality always comes first.
Will my property be well looked after?
We screen every tenant carefully and conduct in-depth inspections at the start, throughout, and end of the tenancy. Each inspection report includes detailed commentary and photos. Repairs and maintenance are managed promptly using qualified, reliable trades, with your approval sought for non-urgent work.
What happens if the tenant doesn't pay rent?
We monitor rental payments daily. If rent is missed, our system alerts us immediately and we take swift action in accordance with the Residential Tenancies Act. Proactive management of arrears helps us maintain low overdue rates across our portfolio.
What insurance do I need?
As a landlord, you’ll need:
- Building insurance
- Contents insurance for items like carpets, blinds, and fittings
- Landlord protection insurance to cover risks such as rent default, malicious damage, or tenant abandonment
How are new tenants onboarded?
Every new tenant receives an in-person handover conducted at the property, where we go through all key aspects of the tenancy. This includes clear information about the lease, rent payments, maintenance procedures, inspections, and their responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act. We also provide a comprehensive Tenant Handbook to set expectations and support a smooth tenancy from the very beginning.
What Expenses can you manage on my behalf?
We can manage all property-related expenses on your behalf, using the rent collected. This includes:
- Council and water rates
- Landlord insurance premiums
- Maintenance and repairs
- Strata levies and other relevant invoices
What is a Property Condition Report, and do I need one?
A Property Condition Report (PCR) is a legal requirement in WA and must be completed at the start and end of each tenancy. This detailed report outlines the condition of the property, room by room, and includes extensive photographic evidence. It helps ensure the property is returned in good condition at the end of the lease, accounting for fair wear and tear.
Do I have to allow pets at my property?
Under Western Australia’s updated tenancy laws, tenants are allowed to request permission to keep a pet at the rental property. As the landlord, you cannot unreasonably refuse this request.
If you have a valid reason such as strata by-laws that prohibit pets or if the type of pet is unsuitable for the property you may apply to the Magistrates Court within 14 days of receiving the request to seek an exemption.
If approved, the tenant must sign a pet agreement, which outlines their responsibility for any damage caused by the pet and the requirement to carry out flea and pest treatment at the end of the tenancy. A one-off pet bond of up to $260 may also be charged.
While it’s your right to assess each request carefully, allowing pets can significantly increase the appeal of your property and broaden the pool of potential tenants, especially in today’s market, where pet-friendly rentals are in high demand.