Hon Michael Mischin LLB (Hons) BJuris (Hons) MLC — New smartphone app to help WA tenants

Western Australian tenants will be able to manage their tenancy at the click of a button thanks to a new smartphone app launched today.

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said the free app would help tenants easily calculate the maximum amount they might have to pay a landlord before moving in and save photos of the mandatory property condition reports, rental receipts and items that needed repair.

“The app will set reminders for paying rent, routine inspections and giving proper notice before moving out,” Mr Mischin said.

“Users can keep track of the constant payment deadlines, appointments and proper notice periods. Whether you want to quickly find out about rent increases, getting your bond back or what to do with a breach notice, the app provides simple advice about it all.”

The app features a range of pre-set reminders that synchronise with users’ calendars, and reminds tenants about:
taking photos at the start and end of a tenancy
returning the property condition report
paying rent on time
date of proposed rent increases
day and time of routine inspections
end date of a periodic or fixed-term tenancy
home open dates and times for prospective buyers or tenants.
The Minister said the reminders would warn users if they entered data that was incompatible with the law.

“For example, if the date of a rent increase is less than 60 days from the date of written notification of an increase, or less than six months from the last increase, the app will warn users that this is not allowed,” he said.

“Similarly, if a landlord tries to schedule a home open for prospective tenants earlier than 21 days before the end of the tenancy, the app will let the user know they can’t do this. In many cases, tenants agree to unlawfully short notice periods for rent increases or routine inspections because they are unaware of their rights.

“The app not only informs users of their rights but helps them to keep good habits as well. By reminding tenants to take photos at the start and end of the tenancy, there is less chance of a dispute over the return of the security bond.”