Western Australia bans no-grounds evictions in housing policy shift
Consensus Summary
Western Australia’s government announced on May 4, 2026, that it will ban no-grounds evictions, requiring landlords to provide a valid reason to terminate a tenancy. The move, led by Commerce Minister Tony Buti and Premier Roger Cook, aims to address housing insecurity amid a tight rental market, with WA and the Northern Territory being the only jurisdictions in Australia previously allowing such evictions. The government also extended rent relief payments for at-risk tenants and cited examples of vulnerable renters, including a single mother with a disabled child, to justify the policy shift. While the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) warned the ban could reduce rental supply, advocates like Anglicare and the Greens praised the reform, though they called for additional measures such as rent caps. The decision marks a reversal from the government’s earlier stance, which had cited concerns about investor withdrawal and market instability.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Western Australia will ban no-grounds evictions, requiring landlords to provide a valid reason to terminate a tenancy.
- WA Commerce Minister and Attorney-General Tony Buti announced the ban on May 4, 2026, calling it a 'commonsense approach' to easing housing pressures.
- WA and the Northern Territory are the only jurisdictions in Australia that previously allowed no-grounds evictions.
- The WA government is extending one-off rent relief payments for tenants at risk of eviction.
- Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) president Suzanne Brown (or Collins in Article 2) expressed concern that the ban could impact rental supply and investment in WA's private housing market.
- WA Greens housing spokesperson Tim Clifford called the reform a 'huge step forward' but argued it did not go far enough, criticizing the lack of rent caps.
- The announcement was made at a press conference at Vinnies WA offices, with Premier Roger Cook, Commerce Minister Tony Buti, and Anglicare WA CEO Mark Glasson present.
- The rental vacancy rate in WA is at 2%, according to REIWA.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Tony Buti cited a single mother with a severely disabled child who faced eviction in sub-par housing as an example of the need for reform.
- Former WA Premier Mark McGowan and Commerce Minister Sue Ellery previously argued that banning no-grounds evictions could drive investment away and worsen housing supply issues.
- Former renter 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.
- Dr. Buti stated that WA has closely examined other states' experiences with banning no-grounds evictions and found no negative market impact.
- Consumer Protection commissioner Trish Blake acknowledged that tenants currently avoid challenging excessive rent increases due to fear of no-grounds eviction.
- The reforms will also restrict the types of information landlords can request from prospective tenants and require one fee-free rent payment option.
- The Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety will consult on the details of the reforms during drafting.
- Premier Roger Cook stated the laws would help ensure every Western Australian has a place to call home.
- End Unfair Evictions campaigner Jesse Noakes argued that rental supply in WA has fallen from over 14,000 properties in 2018 to just 3,000 this year, according to Anglicare.
Where the reporting differs
Details that conflict, or appear in only some outlets:
- Article 1 refers to REIWA president Suzanne Brown, while Article 2 refers to Suzanne Collins as the president of REIWA.
- Article 1 states WA Greens housing spokesperson Tim Clifford called the reform a 'huge step forward' but criticized the lack of rent caps, while Article 3 states he called it a 'historic announcement' but also criticized loopholes in other states' legislation.
Source Articles
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.
'Market is different now': WA government changes language amid major backdown
The WA government's decision to axe no-grounds evictions could signal more policy backdowns as politicians adjust to a changing political landscape, writes state political reporter Keane Bourke.
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.