Garage Doors Bunbury: What Renters and Real Estate Need to Know

Garage doors are often the largest moving part of a home and one of the most commonly overlooked when it comes to rental properties. In Bunbury and across the South West, garages are used daily for vehicles, storage, and sometimes direct access into the house. That makes them a security feature, not just a convenience.

From lost remotes to access control between tenancies, misunderstandings around garage doors can create safety risks, disputes, and avoidable costs. This guide explains what renters and real estate agents need to know about garage doors in Bunbury, with a practical focus on access, responsibilities, and good handover practices.

This article is written as an educational resource from Lancaster Garage Doors, based on common issues seen in local rental properties.

Why Garage Doors Matter in Rental Properties

In many Bunbury homes, the garage is not just for parking. It often provides:

• Direct entry into the home

• Storage for tools, bikes, and valuables

• Daily access for work, school, and shopping routines

A malfunctioning or poorly managed garage door can create:

• Security risks if old remotes still work

• Safety issues if doors do not reverse correctly

• Friction between tenants, agents, and owners when responsibilities are unclear

Treating garage doors with the same importance as locks and keys helps avoid most of these problems.

Garage Door Remotes Are Treated Like Keys

A garage remote is effectively an electronic key. If someone has a working remote, they can access the garage, and in some homes, the house itself.

In rental properties, this becomes important when:

• A tenancy ends

• A remote is lost or not returned

• Extra remotes have been copied without records

If no one is sure how many remotes exist, it’s safest to assume one is still out there, and that uncertainty is what usually leads to disputes later.

When Garage Door Remotes Should Be Recoded

Recoding a garage door opener removes all previously programmed remotes and allows only approved remotes to work.

This should be done:

• At the start of a new tenancy

• When a remote is lost or stolen

• If there is uncertainty about how many remotes exist

• After a change in occupants where access control matters

Recoding is the electronic equivalent of changing locks between tenants. It is simple, quick, and significantly improves security.

A Note on Merlin Garage Door Remotes in Bunbury

Many rental properties in Bunbury use Merlin garage door motors. These systems are designed to allow remotes to be wiped and reprogrammed safely without replacing hardware.

In general terms, the process involves:

• Clearing the opener’s memory

• Reprogramming only the remotes that should retain access

The exact steps vary by model. For accuracy and safety, instructions should always be followed directly from the manufacturer.

Official instructions can be found on:

• Merlin Australia

• Chamberlain Group Australia

• B&D Garage Doors

• ATA (Automatic Technology Australia)

If a remote does not program correctly, or the door behaves inconsistently, professional inspection is recommended rather than repeated attempts.

WA Rental Law and Garage Door Access

In Western Australia, garage doors and remotes fall under the broader category of locks and security devices.

Key points renters and agents should understand:

• Tenants must be provided with the means to securely access the property

• Tenants must return all remotes at the end of the lease

• Tenants cannot change locks or access devices without landlord permission, except in specific safety situations

• Lost remotes are treated similarly to lost keys

• Security devices must be kept in working order

Garage doors are not optional extras. If a garage is part of the leased premises, you must ensure that its operation and access are maintained.

Who Is Responsible for What

Renters

Renters are generally responsible for:

• Keeping remotes secure

• Replacing batteries during the tenancy

• Reporting faults or lost remotes promptly

• Returning all remotes at the end of the lease

If a remote is lost or damaged through tenant use, the tenant may be responsible for replacement or recoding costs.

Real Estate Agents and Owners

Agents and owners are typically responsible for:

• Ensuring the garage door operates safely

• Providing functioning remotes at lease start

• Addressing faults not caused by tenant misuse

• Managing access security between tenancies

Between tenancies, recoding remotes is considered good practice even if all remotes are returned.

Common Garage Door Issues in Bunbury Rentals

Local conditions contribute to common problems, including:

• Corrosion from coastal air

• Sensor misalignment due to vibration or impact

• Remote signal issues from ageing motors or interference

• Doors becoming heavy or noisy due to a lack of servicing

These issues often appear gradually and are easier to address with early inspection rather than emergency repairs.

Best Practice for Real Estate Agents

For smoother tenancies and fewer disputes:

• Record the number of remotes issued at lease start

• Confirm all remotes are returned at vacate

• Recode remotes before new tenants move in

• Test door operation during routine inspections

• Replace remote batteries between tenancies

• Encourage servicing where doors show early signs of wear

A consistent approach reduces risk and protects all parties.

When to Call a Professional

It’s recommended that you should call for a professional inspection if:

• The door does not reverse correctly

• Remotes require repeated presses to operate

• The door feels heavy or jerky

• There is uncertainty about remote programming

• Safety sensors are unreliable

Garage doors involve tensioned components and safety-critical systems. Inspection is safer and more cost-effective than trial and error.

What our clients say about us

Marisa Frazer

★★★★★

Paul was an absolute pleasure to deal with. His service and attention to detail was outstanding. Would highly recommend Lancaster Garage Doors for all your needs. Extremely happy with our new roller door. Thanks Paul.

Kaylenn Cripps

★★★★★

Start to finish, a great experience. Our garage door had broken and when I rang Paul, he walked me through the issue and the options, and had it sorted by the next day. A polite, experienced professional.

Robert Buller

★★★★★

The electric garage door was misbehaving and would close, then automatically re-open. Paul was absolutely fantastic. He came around when he said he would and fixed the problem.

Final Thoughts on Garage Doors in Bunbury…

Garage doors in Bunbury play a bigger role in rental properties than many people realise. Clear access control, proper handover, and basic maintenance go a long way toward preventing security issues and tenancy disputes.

For renters, garage doors are part of feeling safe at home.
For real estate agents, they are part of managing risk and responsibility.

If you need advice, inspection, or assistance with garage doors in Bunbury or the South West, you can contact Lancaster Garage Doors for practical, local support.

👉 https://www.lancastergaragedoors.com.au/contact/

📞 Paul on 0421 073 881

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FAQ’s: Garage Doors Bunbury for Renters and Real Estate

• Who is responsible for garage door repairs in a rental property?

  In most cases, garage door repairs are the responsibility of the property owner, as the garage door forms part of the fixed premises. Tenants should report faults as soon as they appear so repairs can be arranged before the issue becomes a safety or security risk.

• Are garage door remotes treated the same as keys in rental properties?

  Yes. Garage door remotes are generally treated the same as keys or other access devices. Tenants are expected to keep them secure and return all remotes at the end of the lease.

• What should happen if a garage door remote is lost during a tenancy?

  If a remote is lost, it should be reported to the property manager immediately. In many cases, the garage door opener will need to be recoded to prevent unauthorised access, particularly if the garage provides entry into the home.

• Should garage door remotes be recoded between tenants?

  Recoding garage door remotes between tenancies is considered best practice. It ensures that any remotes not returned by previous tenants can no longer operate the door and helps protect the new tenant’s security.

• Can tenants reprogram or recode a garage door themselves?

  Tenants should not reprogram or recode garage door openers without permission from the landlord or property manager, except in specific safety situations. Changing access devices without approval may breach tenancy agreements.

• What are common garage door repair issues in rental properties?

  Common issues include doors becoming noisy or heavy, remotes working inconsistently, safety sensors becoming misaligned, and wear caused by corrosion or lack of servicing. Many of these issues develop gradually and can be addressed early.

• Is a faulty garage door considered a safety issue?

  Yes. Garage doors are heavy, motorised systems. Faults such as doors failing to reverse correctly, uneven movement, or sudden drops can pose safety risks and should be repaired promptly.

• What should tenants do if the garage door stops working?

  Tenants should notify the property manager as soon as possible and avoid forcing the door. Continued use of a faulty garage door can worsen damage and increase safety risks.

• Can landlords or agents access the property using a garage remote?

  Access rules for garages are the same as for the home itself. Landlords and agents must follow entry notice requirements and cannot use garage remotes for access without proper notice or consent, except in genuine emergencies.

• How often should garage doors be checked in rental properties?

  Garage doors should be visually checked during routine inspections and professionally inspected or serviced if they show signs of wear, noise, or inconsistent operation.

• Are tenants responsible for replacing garage door remote batteries?

  Replacing remote batteries during a tenancy is usually considered a minor tenant responsibility, similar to replacing light bulbs. If a remote still does not work after a battery change, the issue should be reported.

• What happens if garage door repairs are delayed?

  Delaying repairs can lead to larger mechanical failures, security risks, and safety concerns. Early reporting and prompt repairs are generally simpler and help prevent disputes later.

Written by Paul Simmons – Owner of Lancaster Garage Doors

Paul is the owner and lead technician at Lancaster Garage Doors, a trusted family business based in Bunbury, Western Australia. With years of hands-on experience, he’s passionate about helping homeowners and property managers keep their garage doors running safely and reliably.

Edited and Published by CLP Advertising & Photography Services