A new app to help Western Australian renters manage their tenancy has been launched today by Commerce Minister Michael Mischin.
Mr Mischin said the free iRentWA app would help tenants easily calculate the maximum amount they might have to pay a landlord before moving in.
It can also be used to save photos of property condition reports, rental receipts and items that need repair.
“The app will set reminders for paying rent, routine inspections and give proper notice before moving out,” Mr Mischin said.
“Users can keep track of the constant payment deadlines, appointments and proper notice periods.
“Whether you want to quickly find out about rent increases, getting your bond back or what to do with a beach notice, the app provides simple advice about it all.”
The app also features a ‘pre-set reminder’ system, which can synchronise with users’ calendars to remind tenants about meeting deadlines and warning about proposed rent rate increases.
Mr Mischin said the reminders would also warn users if they had entered data that was breaching laws.
“For example, if the date of a rent increase is less than 60 days from the date of written notification of an increase, or less than six months from the last increase, the app will warn users that this is not allowed,” he said.
“Similarly, if a landlord tries to schedule a home open for prospective tenants earlier than 21 days before the end of tenancy, the app will let the user know they can’t do this.”
Mr Mischin said it was a regular occurrence that tenants agreed to unlawfully short notice periods for rent increases or routine inspections because they weren’t aware of their rights.
“The app not only informs users of their rights but helps them to keep good habits as well,” he said.
“By reminding tenants to take photos at the start and end of the tenancy, there is less chance of a dispute over the return of the security bond.”
The app can be downloaded for free from the app store or Google play.
