Renters' rights in a housing crisis
Law Talk WA is a podcast for West Australians that provides real and relevant information about legal issues in our state.
This series is about renting. Each episode features conversations with a panel of experts who share their knowledge and expertise, with helpful and practical tips along the way.
If you are interested in learning more about your rights, the law in Western Australia, and where you can go for help, listen now on:
Series 2 – Renters' Rights in a Housing Crisis
In the second series of Law Talk WA, we shine a spotlight on Western Australia’s current housing crisis and discuss some of the common issues faced by renters. This series covers hints and tips to increase the chance of securing a rental property, the rights and obligations of tenants, how renters can best position themselves when negotiating with a landlord, options when struggling to pay rent, and where to find support.
We speak with tenant advocates, financial counsellors and lawyers who provide a range of perspectives on this important topic affecting many people across WA in this difficult rental market. A bonus episode explains the recent tenancy law reforms, how they improve renters’ rights and what changes to the law are needed to better support renters.
- Episode 1 - Help! I can’t find a rental
- Episode 2 - How do I avoid getting scammed or taken advantage of?
- Episode 3 - How do I stay in my rental property?
- Episode 4 - Help! I can’t afford my rent
- Episode 5 - My relationship has ended! What happens to my lease?
- Episode 6 - Tenancy law has changed: What could the rental reforms mean for you?
This series of Law Talk WA is hosted by Legal Aid WA, with subject matter experts from Broome CIRCLE, Circle Green Community Legal, Fremantle Community Legal Centre, Money Mentors, Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre, Regional Alliance West, and Ruah Community Services.
Episode 1 - Help! I can’t find a rental
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First things first: getting into a rental. In the first episode we explore the practical steps that hopeful renters can take to try to secure a place to live and present some options for people with a bad rental history or no history at all.
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Episode 1 is hosted by Katy McDougall (Lawyer, Legal Aid WA) with guests:
- Leah Haines (Tenant Advocate, Circle Green Community Legal)
- Corina Dunnachie (Housing and Homelessness Lead, Ruah Community Services)
- Veronica Johnson (Financial Counsellor, Broome CIRCLE)
Episode 2 - How do I avoid getting scammed or taken advantage of?
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Scams that target renters are the focus of this episode. We discuss common stories of renters’ experiences with scammers and how renters can try to protect themselves from becoming the victim of a scam. We also explore situations where landlords may be taking advantage of tenants and provide some information on renters’ rights under the law.
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Episode 2 is hosted by Katy McDougall (Lawyer, Legal Aid WA) with guests:
- Brogan Murphy (Lawyer, Circle Green Community Legal)
- Paul Harrison (Tenant Advocate, Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre)
- Corina Dunnachie (Housing and Homelessness Lead, Ruah Community Services)
- Taylah Bell (Lawyer, Regional Alliance West)
Episode 3 - How do I stay in my rental property?
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Episode three discusses a range of issues that could lead to a dispute between landlord and tenant and delves into the legal rights and responsibilities of both parties. We touch on building repairs and modifications, pets, rent arrears, “no grounds” terminations and renters’ rights when the landlord plans to sell the rental property.
More about this episode
Episode 3 is hosted by Katy McDougall (Lawyer, Legal Aid WA) with guests:
- Brogan Murphy (Lawyer, Circle Green Community Legal)
- Paul Harrison (Tenant Advocate, Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre)
- Taylah Bell (Lawyer, Regional Alliance West)
Episode 4 - Help! I can’t afford my rent
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In this episode we discuss the pressures of the cost of living crisis and what this means for tenants who can no longer afford their rent, those who are in arrears, and renters facing unmanageable rent price increases. We identify programs and organisations that can support renters facing financial strain.
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Episode 4 is hosted by Katy McDougall (Lawyer, Legal Aid WA) with guests:
- Corina Dunnachie (Housing and Homelessness Lead, Ruah Community Services)
- Allison Sampson (Financial Counsellor, Money Mentors)
Episode 5 - My relationship has ended! What happens to my lease?
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Episode five covers relationship breakdowns, breakups, and break leases. We talk about how to remove a name from a lease, putting safety first in situations where there has been family violence and where to find emergency accommodation and support.
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Episode 5 is hosted by Katy McDougall (Lawyer, Legal Aid WA) with guests:
- Daniel Pritchard (Senior Lawyer, Circle Green Community Legal)
- Lauren Moore (Lawyer, Fremantle Community Legal Centre)
- Corina Dunnachie (Housing and Homelessness Service Lead, Ruah Community Services)
Episode 6 - Tenancy law has changed: What could the rental reforms mean for you?
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The Residential Tenancies Act 1987 has recently been amended. In this episode we explain the recent tenancy law reforms, how they improve renters’ rights and what changes are still needed to the law, to better support renters.
More about this episode
Episode 6 is hosted Katy McDougall (Lawyer, Legal Aid WA) with guest:
- Alice Pennycott (Lawyer, Circle Green Community Legal)
