WA Government Offers $10,000 to Switch from Short to Long-Term Rentals

Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Incentive: what you need to know to cash in $10,000. 

What is the Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Incentive? 

The STRA Incentive is designed to encourage property owners to move their homes from short-term to the long-term rental pool. While short-term rentals have surged in popularity in recent years, the WA Government is now offering $10,000 for those willing to provide greater stability to renters through long-term leases by converting their STRA into a 12-month (or longer) residential tenancy.  

Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Incentive: eligibility criteria. 

To be eligible for the $10,000 incentive, you must:

• Own a self-contained property (house, apartment, unit, or flat).
• Have owned the property for the full STRA period (20 May 2025 – 30 June 2025) and remain the current owner.
• Have advertised or operated the property as un-hosted short-term rental accommodation during that period.
• Transition the property into a long-term rental by 31 December 2025 (AWST).
• Sign a minimum 12-month lease commencing after 30 June 2025 and no later than 31 December 2025.
• Set rent at or below:
  • $950 per week in Greater Perth (including Mandurah), or
  • As per the maximum rental thresholds set for regional WA, here.
• Hold an Australian bank account for payment.

Note, that if: 

• You do not own the property.
• You did not own the property during the entire STRA period.
• You are not renting the entire property e.g. you are only renting one room.
• Your property was subject to a long-term tenancy of three months or longer anytime during the STRA period.
• You or any co-owner has received a payment under the Vacant Property Rental Incentive Scheme or a previous phase of the STRA Incentive Scheme for the property.

Then you won’t be eligible for the STRA Incentive. 

STRA Incentive: Scheme Conditions

To participate, applicants and co-owners must ensure:

• The property is located in WA, Christmas Island, or the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
• The property is not the applicant’s residence.
• Tenants are not immediate family (parents, children, siblings, step-relations).
• Only one application is submitted per property.
• The lease does not allow sub-letting.
• The tenancy agreement complies with the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA) and associated regulations.
• All required approvals (e.g., strata) are in place.

Applications & Incentive Payments

Property owners who wish to apply are encouraged to submit their application online, here. 

Successful applicants receive payments in two stages:

• $4,000 upon application approval by Consumer Protection.
• $6,000 once the tenancy reaches 12 months and all eligibility criteria are met.

Payments will be deposited into your nominated Australian bank account within 10 business days of approval.

From Short-Term Rental Accommodation to Long-Term Rental Accommodation: Why Make the Switch?

Beyond the $10,000 STRA Incentive introduced by the WA Government, there are many reasons why property owners are choosing to transition from short-term rentals to long-term leasing.

While short-term rentals can appear attractive for a quick return on investment and flexible personal use, they often come with challenges that impact both income and time. The most common issue is unpredictable income. While you may achieve higher nightly rates, there is no guarantee of steady bookings, which creates uncertainty and financial inconsistency. Alongside this, a high turnover of guests means constant advertising, frequent cleaning, and ongoing maintenance at every departure and arrival. These demands quickly add up to greater costs, as well as time and effort you may not want to invest. Properties also tend to experience more wear and tear under short-term arrangements, as guests staying only a few days or weeks are far less likely to treat your home with the same care as someone renting it long-term.

By comparison, long-term leasing provides stability, security, and peace of mind. With a minimum 12-month tenancy, you can enjoy reliable rental income that smooths out financial uncertainty. Fewer tenant changes also mean reduced management demands, while tenants who commit to longer stays are generally more invested in looking after the property. In addition, with the right property manager, more time and care are dedicated to screening tenants, ensuring your investment is safeguarded.

Making the Shift with Vivid Property Perth

If you’re ready to step away from Airbnb or short-stay holiday letting, Vivid Property Perth is here to make the transition seamless. Our award-winning team is recognised for delivering outstanding property management services across Perth, and we take pride in helping owners maximise their returns while protecting their assets.

We assist you with every stage of the process. From preparing your property for the long-term rental market, handling presentation, compliance, advertising and marketing to screening quality tenants. Once your property is leased, we take care of tenant screening, inspections and ongoing maintenance, giving you the confidence that your investment is being managed professionally.

At Vivid, we know that moving from short-term to long-term rental is a significant decision, which is why we provide tailored support designed to maximise your returns while removing the day-to-day stress of management. We help you achieve consistent results and long-term growth for your property. With our expertise, you can take advantage of the Government’s incentive while enjoying the benefits of a stable and well-managed investment.

If you’re ready to make the move, contact us today to unlock your $10,000 incentive and secure reliable long-term income.