In Western Australia, the consumer regulator for short-stay is Consumer Protection, part of the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety, not a body called “Fair Trading” as in the eastern states. Consumer Protection administers the STRA Register and sets provider obligations: register your property, display your registration number on every advertisement, be aware of your local laws and planning controls, and meet your Australian Consumer Law duties on honest advertising and consumer guarantees.
Owners often look for “WA Fair Trading” guidance on short-stay and cannot find it, because WA does not use that name. This guide explains who the regulator actually is, what they expect of you as a provider, and the consumer-law duties that apply to the service you sell.
This is general information, not legal advice. Check the current official guidance and confirm your obligations.
“Fair Trading” vs Consumer Protection in WA
Several states run a “Fair Trading” or “Consumer Affairs” agency. In WA, the equivalent is Consumer Protection, which sits within the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety (DLGIRS). Consumer Protection is the agency that administers the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Register and publishes guidance for providers, including its “Managing short-term rental accommodation” information. If you have been searching for “WA Fair Trading short-stay”, this is where to look instead.
Your core obligations as a provider
Consumer Protection’s provider guidance centres on a few clear duties:
- Register your property on the WA STRA Register before you advertise or take bookings. Registration has been mandatory since 1 January 2025.
- Display your registration number in a conspicuous position on every advertisement, on every platform. Since 1 January 2026, a property that is not on the register cannot be advertised or booked, and platforms are required to check.
- Be aware of your local laws and planning controls. One stated aim of the register is to ensure providers know the local rules that apply, including the council development-approval threshold for unhosted properties. Our council-approval check covers that threshold.
- Keep your details current and renew annually.
The full registration and planning framework is set out in our WA STRA compliance guide.
Australian Consumer Law applies to your listing and your service
Beyond the STRA framework, you are selling an accommodation service, so the Australian Consumer Law applies. In practice that means:
- No misleading or deceptive conduct, your listing, photos and description must accurately represent the property. Photos that oversell, or claims the property does not deliver, are a consumer-law risk as well as a reviews risk.
- Honest representations about location, amenities, size and what is included
- Consumer guarantees that the service is provided with due care and skill and matches its description
- Fair cancellation and refund handling, terms must not be misleading, and you must honour what you have represented
Treating the listing as a truthful description rather than a sales pitch keeps you on the right side of both the law and your guest reviews.
Handling disputes and complaints
If a guest complaint escalates, Consumer Protection is the body that oversees consumer matters in WA. The practical protections for you are good records and honest dealing:
- Keep clear records of bookings, communications and your listing terms
- Represent the property honestly so expectations match reality
- Resolve issues directly and fairly where you can
Consumer Protection can be contacted on 1300 304 054 for provider and consumer queries.
Where to get the official guidance
The authoritative sources are Consumer Protection’s “Managing short-term rental accommodation” guidance and the STRA Register material published by DLGIRS. Because rules and guidance change, check the current version rather than relying on a summary, and confirm anything specific to your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Does WA have a “Fair Trading” department for short-stay?
No. WA’s equivalent is Consumer Protection, within the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety. It administers the STRA Register and publishes provider guidance.
What does Consumer Protection require of short-stay owners?
Register your property, display your registration number on every advertisement, be aware of your local laws and planning controls, keep your details current, and meet your Australian Consumer Law duties.
Does the Australian Consumer Law apply to my listing?
Yes. You are selling a service, so you must not engage in misleading or deceptive conduct, your representations must be accurate, and consumer guarantees apply.
Who do I contact with a short-stay query?
Consumer Protection WA, on 1300 304 054, or via its website guidance for short-stay providers.
This article is general information only, current at the time of writing, and is not legal advice. Consumer Protection guidance and the Australian Consumer Law change over time; check the current official sources and confirm your obligations with a qualified adviser.