STATE LEGISLATION
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Minimum security requirements for your rental property - Updated June 2023
Rental property security standards are officially in place and enforced by legislation.
If you are a landlord in WA, you need to ensure your rental home meets the minimum security level requirements.
Please refer to the Government of Western Australia Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety Consumer Protection Website for full list of requirements, updates and further information: Minimum levels of security - residential tenancy laws | Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (commerce.wa.gov.au)
Landlords
Your REIWA property manager will be able to assist you in this regard, but it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with exactly what areas of the home have updated security requirements, so that you're well informed of your responsibilities.
Tenants affected by Family Violence
Families affected by domestic violence can change locks at their own expense without prior permission. Tenants affected by family violence can also make prescribed security upgrades without prior permission as long as:
All upgrades should comply with strata by-laws and take into consideration the age and character of the property. Please refer to the following website for further information:
Main Entry Door
The minimum required security is either a deadlock or an AS 5039-2008 compliant key lockable security screen door.
The deadlock can be either a single cylinder or double cylinder. A single cylinder deadlock can be opened from the inside simply by turning the handle or a knob, allowing a person to exit the house quickly in case of an emergency.
The deadlock can be separate to the door handle or it can be incorporated into the handset.
There is no need to retrofit security if there already is an Australian Standards compliant key lockable security screen with a deadlock fitted.
The main entry must have a key lockable door.
External Doors
The minimum required security is either a deadlock, a patio bolt lock (if a deadlock cannot be installed) or an AS 5039-2008 compliant key lockable security screen door. If there is a need to install a patio bolt, it does not need to be key lockable.
The minimum security level requirement for the main entry door of your rental property is either a deadlock or an Australian Standard 5039 compliant key lockable security screen door.
The deadlock can either be a single cylinder, which can be opened from the inside, or a double cylinder deadlock, which has a keyed entry on both sides of the lock. The deadlock you choose can either be incorporated into the door handle or separate.
There is no need to retrofit security if there is already an Australian Standard compliant key lockable security screen with a deadlock fitted.
For all other external doors, the minimum security requirements is either;
- an AS 5039 compliant key lockable security screen door
- a deadlock
- a patio bolt lock (if a deadlock cannot by installed)
Windows
Windows must be fitted with a lock which prevents the window from being opened from outside the premises. This does not mean having to install keyed window locks, but all openable windows have latches, closers or locks fitted and be in working order.
If the window is fitted with an Australian standards (AS 5039-2008) compliant security screen, there is no requirement to retrofit a window lock.
Louvered windows
Louver windows must have a functioning locking mechanism. If it is not, then another mechanism will need to be installed to allow the lever to be locked in the fully closed position.
To read the Minimum Levels of Security Flyer click here
QUEENSLAND
Minimum Housing Standards
Minimum housing standards will come into effect for new tenancies from 1 September 2023 and for all tenancies from 1 September 2024.
Minimum housing standards aim to ensure all Queensland rental properties are safe, secure and function and provide tenants, residents, property manager and owners more clarity around the maintenance obligations for rental properties.
Will all external doors and windows need to have locks or latches for the property to meet minimum housing standards?
To meet minimum housing standards, all external windows and doors at a property will need to have functioning locks or latches to secure the premises against unauthorised entry. This applies only to windows and doors a person outside the premises or room (for rooming accommodation) could access without a ladder.
Each property should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. The main focus should be on ensuring the rental property is secure and that reasonable measures have been taken to meet safety and security requirements under the legislation.
For further information on the new minimum housing standards, please refer to: Rental law changes | Residential Tenancies Authority (rta.qld.gov.au)
