Minimum Security Standards for Rental Properties in Western Australia

Security is one of the most important factors tenants consider when choosing a rental property. For landlords, meeting the minimum security standards is a legal requirement under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 1987 (WA). These laws ensure that every rental property provides a safe and secure environment for occupants.

At Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park, we help landlords understand and comply with these regulations so their properties remain safe, marketable and legally compliant.

What are the Minimum Security Standards in WA?

The minimum standards apply to main entry doors, external doors, windows and external lighting. Landlords must ensure all rental properties meet the following requirements before a tenancy begins and throughout the tenancy period.

1. Main Entry Doors

• Every main entry door must be fitted with either:
  • A deadlock (keyed from the outside and inside), or
  • A lockable security screen door that complies with AS 5039-2008 (Australian Standard for security screen doors).

• Deadlocks provide an additional barrier against forced entry, while compliant security screens allow airflow and security at the same time.

2. Other External Doors

• All other external doors (such as back, side, or laundry doors) must have a deadlock.
• If a deadlock cannot be installed, landlords must ensure either:
  • A patio bold lock, or
  • A lockable security screen door compliant with AS 5039-2008 is fitted.

• The key principle is that all external doors must be secure against unauthorised entry.

3. Windows

• Every external window must be fitted with a lock or latch that prevents it from being opened from the outside.
• This does not mean keyed window locks are required, but the mechanism must make it difficult to force open.
• If a window is already fitted with a compliant security screen, no additional window lock is required.

Tenants should be able to ventilate their homes while still feeling safe, which is why secure window fittings are part of the minimum standard.

4. External Lighting

• There must be an electrical light at, or near, the main entry of the property.
• The light must be capable of illuminating the entry and must be operable from inside the home.

Good lighting reduces the risk of break-ins and improves safety for tenants arriving home after dark.

Landlord Responsibilities

As a landlord in WA, you are legally required to:

• Ensure minimum security standards are met before the tenancy begins.
• Maintain locks, latches and lights in good working order throughout the tenancy.
• Provide tenants with keys for all locks at the start of the lease.

Failure to comply may result in fines and could leave a landlord liable if a tenant experiences a security-related incident.

Exemptions and Practical Considerations

In some cases, strict compliance may not be practical (for example, in heritage-listed buildings where alterations are restricted). Landlords may apply for exemptions through the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS), but approval is required.

Other things to consider:

• Tenant requests: If tenants request additional security measures (such as extra locks), they may do so with landlord approval.
• Insurance implications: Properties that don’t meet minimum security standards may not be covered under some landlord or building insurance policies.

Going Beyond the Minimum

Meeting the minimum standard is the legal baseline, but many landlords choose to go further to attract long-term tenants and maximise rental returns. Consider:

• Installing sensor lighting around side and rear entries
• Adding keyed window locks for extra peace of mind
• Upgrading to high-quality security screens
• Installing CCTV or monitored alarm systems (particularly valuable for family homes)

These features not only increase tenant safety but can also make your property more appealing in a competitive rental market.

Minimum security standards are designed to protect tenants and provide landlords with clear guidelines for compliance. By ensuring your rental property meets these requirements, you safeguard your investment, reduce potential liability and create a safe and attractive home for tenants.

At Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park, our property management team can arrange professional inspections, coordinate trades, and ensure your property complies with WA regulations.

Contact us today on 08 6244 7885 to learn more about how we can help you stay compliant and protect your investment.