The State Government will trial the use of probationary tenancies in public housing to encourage tenants to take their responsibilities more seriously.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said until now, probationary tenancies were only used where applicants with poor previous histories sought to re-enter the system.

Mr Blayney said the Department of Housing will conduct a 12-month expanded trial of probationary tenancies designed to encourage more tenants to fulfil their obligations in their taxpayer-funded homes.

Under this trial program, applicants housed from the wait list will be given a probationary tenancy of six months.

Probationary tenancies will be supported by other initiatives that re-emphasise and improve tenants' understanding of their obligations.

Mr Blayney said the great majority of public housing tenants do the right thing and look after their homes, pay their rent and get along with their neighbours, however, there are a small minority that fail to meet their obligations.

The errant minority will be sent a clear message by the State Government that taxpayer-subsidised housing is time-limited and conditional.

This is especially significant given there are many people on the public housing waitlist who deserve a home more than tenants who refuse to respect the privilege they have been afforded by the taxpayer.

Mr Blayney said there are many people on the public housing waitlist who deserve a home more than tenants who refuse to respect the privilege they have been afforded by the taxpayer.

Under the trial if tenancy conditions are not met, the department will not renew the agreement. If tenants behave they will receive a standard periodic agreement.

The trial will be conducted in the department's south metropolitan region starting in July.

Seniors will be excluded unless they have existing poor tenancy histories.