Changes to Rental Laws in Western Australia and England

May 5, 2026, 18:05
AustraliaPolitics

Introduction

Recent changes to rental laws in Western Australia and England have removed 'no-grounds' evictions. These updates aim to create a fairer balance of power between landlords and tenants.

Main Body

In Western Australia, the Labor government has decided to ban no-grounds evictions, bringing the state in line with other parts of Australia. Commerce Minister Tony Buti emphasized that the rental market has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning old risk assessments are no longer useful. Although the government recognizes that property investors make significant profits, it has refused to introduce rent caps or mandatory energy standards. Consequently, the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) warned that these reforms, combined with higher interest rates and tax issues, might encourage investors to remove their properties from the market. This could make the already low vacancy rate of 2% even worse. Similarly, England introduced the Renters’ Rights Act on May 1. This law removes fixed-term contracts and requires landlords to provide a legal reason for any eviction. Furthermore, the Act bans discriminatory policies and limits how much rent can be paid in advance. However, there was a sudden increase in 'Section 21' eviction notices before the law started, as landlords tried to remove tenants quickly. Housing charities, such as Shelter, argued that the government failed to protect tenants during this transition. Additionally, while many politicians support rent caps, the government has not implemented them, leaving the problem of rising rents unsolved while social housing continues to decrease.

Conclusion

Both regions have moved toward a system where landlords must provide a reason for eviction. However, the success of these changes will depend on how well the laws are enforced and whether there are enough rental properties available.

Learning

The Logic of Connection

To move from A2 (basic sentences) to B2 (complex flow), you need to stop using only 'and', 'but', and 'because'. This text uses Logical Connectors to build a professional argument. Let's break down the three types found here:

1. The 'Adding-On' Shift

Instead of saying 'also', look at how the author introduces new information:

  • Furthermore: Used to add a strong, supporting point. ("Furthermore, the Act bans discriminatory policies...")
  • Additionally: Used to add another piece of information to a list of facts. ("Additionally, while many politicians support rent caps...")

2. The 'Opposite' Pivot

B2 speakers use specific words to signal a change in direction:

  • Although: This prepares the reader for a contrast within the same sentence. ("Although the government recognizes... it has refused...")
  • However: This starts a new sentence that contradicts the previous point. ("However, there was a sudden increase...")

3. The 'Result' Chain

To show cause and effect, the text moves beyond 'so':

  • Consequently: This is a formal way to say 'as a result'. It connects a cause (new laws + interest rates) to an effect (investors leaving the market).

Quick B2 Upgrade Map

A2 Level (Basic)B2 Level (Advanced)
ButHowever / Although
AlsoFurthermore / Additionally
SoConsequently

Pro Tip: Use 'Consequently' when you want to sound like an expert analyzing a situation rather than just telling a story.

Vocabulary Learning

eviction
The act of legally removing someone from a property.
Example:The landlord issued an eviction notice after the tenant failed to pay rent.
ban
To prohibit or forbid something by law or authority.
Example:The new law will ban the use of no‑grounds evictions.
balance
An even distribution of power or influence.
Example:The reforms aim to create a fairer balance of power between landlords and tenants.
mandatory
Required by law or rules; compulsory.
Example:The government has not introduced mandatory energy standards.
encourage
To give support or confidence to someone to do something.
Example:Higher interest rates might encourage investors to remove their properties.
vacancy
The state of a property being empty or unoccupied.
Example:The low vacancy rate of 2% indicates most properties are occupied.
discriminatory
Treating people unfairly based on characteristics such as race or gender.
Example:The Act bans discriminatory policies that unfairly target certain groups.
policy
A plan or set of guidelines adopted by an organization or government.
Example:The government introduced a new housing policy to address rising rents.
sudden
Happening quickly and unexpectedly.
Example:There was a sudden increase in Section 21 eviction notices.
charity
An organization that provides help or relief to people in need.
Example:Housing charities, such as Shelter, argued for tenant protection.
transition
The process of changing from one state or condition to another.
Example:The government failed to protect tenants during this transition.
support
To give assistance or approval to someone or something.
Example:Many politicians support rent caps.
unsolved
Not yet solved or resolved.
Example:The problem of rising rents remains unsolved.
enforced
Made to be followed or obeyed by law or authority.
Example:The success of these changes will depend on how well the laws are enforced.
available
Ready for use or obtainable.
Example:There may not be enough rental properties available.