Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), what is the landlord's obligation regarding the provision of minimum security for a rental property?

Q: What is the correct answer to: Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), what is the landlord's obligation regarding the provision of minimum security for a rental property?

The correct answer is The landlord must ensure the property has reasonable security, including functioning locks on all external doors and windows. Option B is correct because landlords must provide and maintain reasonable security including functioning locks on all external doors and windows accessible without a ladder. They must also provide the tenant with keys to all locks. This is a non-delegable landlord obligation.

Q: What background knowledge is needed for this Property Management question?

The security provisions were strengthened in WA to protect tenant safety. Landlords must also allow tenants to install additional security devices in some circumstances. If locks are changed during the tenancy, both parties must be provided with keys within a reasonable time.

Q: What is a good way to remember the answer to this Property Management question?

Landlords must provide working locks on all accessible external doors and windows, plus keys for the tenant. Security is the landlord's responsibility. Think of it as: the landlord provides the lock, the landlord provides the key. Tenant safety starts with landlord security.

Q: What exam tip applies to this Property Management question?

The test is 'accessible without a ladder' — ground floor windows need locks, but upper-floor windows that are only reachable by ladder may not.

Q: How does this Property Management concept apply in Australian real estate practice?

Before a new tenant moves into a Bassendean rental, the property manager checks that all external doors have deadlocks, all accessible windows have locks, and three sets of keys are available. A broken lock on the laundry door is repaired before key handover.

Question

Property ManagementWAHARD

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), what is the landlord's obligation regarding the provision of minimum security for a rental property?

Answer Options

A

No specific security requirements exist in WA law

B

The landlord must ensure the property has reasonable security, including functioning locks on all external doors and windows

C

Security is entirely the tenant's responsibility

D

Only properties in high-crime areas require security measures