Western Australia bans no-grounds evictions in new tenancy reforms
Consensus Summary
Western Australia’s government announced on May 4, 2026, that it will ban no-grounds evictions, requiring landlords to provide valid reasons for terminating tenancies. The reforms aim to improve housing security amid a severe rental crisis, with supply dropping from over 14,000 properties in 2018 to just 3,000 in 2026. While the government and tenant advocates, including Anglicare WA, support the move, the Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) warns it could further reduce rental supply. The Greens praised the reforms but called for stronger measures, such as rent caps, to prevent landlords from using unaffordable rent hikes to force out tenants. The ban aligns WA with other states, as it and the Northern Territory were the last jurisdictions allowing no-grounds evictions.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Western Australia will ban no-grounds evictions under new tenancy reforms, requiring landlords to provide valid reasons (e.g., owner/relative moving in, property renovation, tenant breach, sale, unpaid rent, or illegal activity).
- The reforms were announced by Premier Roger Cook and Commerce Minister Tony Buti on May 4, 2026.
- Western Australia and the Northern Territory are the only jurisdictions in Australia that still allowed no-grounds evictions before the ban.
- Real Estate Institute of Western Australia (REIWA) president Suzanne Brown expressed concern that the ban could reduce rental supply and worsen housing affordability.
- Anglicare WA reported that rental supply in WA fell from over 14,000 properties in 2018 to 3,000 in 2026.
- The reforms include restrictions on the types of information landlords can request from prospective tenants and require one fee-free rent payment option for tenants.
- WA Greens housing spokesman Tim Clifford called the reforms a historic step but criticized the lack of rent caps, arguing they could still be used to force out tenants.
- The government is extending one-off rent relief payments for tenants at risk of eviction.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety will consult on the details of the reforms during drafting.
- Previous reforms included a ban on rent bidding and limiting rent increases to once every 12 months.
- End Unfair Evictions campaigner Jesse Noakes stated there is no evidence from other states that ending no-grounds evictions impacted rental supply.
- WA Greens introduced a rent cap bill to address loopholes in similar legislation.
- Tony Buti cited a case of a single mother with a severely disabled child living in sub-par rental conditions as an example of the need for reform.
- Former premier Mark McGowan and commerce minister Sue Ellery previously argued that banning no-grounds evictions could drive investment away from WA.
- A former renter named Le (last name withheld) was evicted on no grounds after a $50 weekly rent increase and questioned a clause preventing her from being home during inspections.
- Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson said no-grounds evictions have been weaponized by some landlords and prevented tenants from requesting reasonable property improvements.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Newscomau states the reforms include restrictions on the types of information landlords can request from prospective tenants, but ABC does not mention this detail.
- Newscomau mentions a ban on rent bidding and limiting rent increases to once every 12 months as part of previous reforms, while ABC does not reference these prior changes.
Source Articles
State’s move to ban no-grounds evictions
Another Aussie state has moved to ban no-grounds evictions for tenants, despite warnings from housing industry figures there will be “no winners” from the decision.
No-grounds evictions banned in WA housing policy shift
Under the proposed laws, landlords will no longer be allowed to terminate a tenant's lease without giving a reason.