skip to content

Refine results


Search by

Search by Algolia

What's New

30 July 2026

Can a Landlord Do That? Answers to Common Rental Questions in South Australia

If you’re renting a privately owned home in South Australia, it’s important to know what your landlord or their agent can and can’t do.

Our new article explains your rental rights in simple yes‑or‑no questions, so you can quickly understand what applies to you.

Rent


Can a landlord increase my rent?

Yes. A landlord or their agent can increase rent 12 months after the start of a tenancy agreement. Any later increases cannot be within 12 months of a previous increase.

Can a landlord increase rent more than once in 12 months?

No. 

Can a landlord increase rent without written notice?

No. A landlord or their agent must provide you with at least 60 days written notice of a rent increase.

 

Property entry


Can a landlord or their agent enter my home without giving notice?

No, unless it is an emergency.

A landlord, their agent or someone authorised by them generally cannot enter a property without proper notice.

Notice is not required in an emergency.

Can a landlord or their agent enter my home without notice in an emergency?

Yes.

A landlord or their agent can enter your home without notice in an emergency. Examples of an emergency include fire, burst water pipe, gas leak or structural danger.

Can a landlord or their agent enter my home without notice for repairs?

No, unless repairs are needed urgently.

A landlord or their agent must give at least 48 hours' notice before entering your home for repairs, unless you request less time. Notice is not required for urgent repairs.

Can a landlord or their agent enter my home to show my home to prospective buyers and tenants without notice?

No. A landlord or their agent must provide reasonable notice to you.

The property can be shown to prospective buyers in the last 28 days of tenancy. This can happen at times requested by you or after giving reasonable notice and only for a reasonable number of times. The property can be shown no more than twice in 7 days, or more if you agree, and at a time previously agreed by you.  

If an agreement can't be reached with you, the landlord may seek an order from the SACAT for the premises to be shown to prospective buyers between 8am and 8pm on any day other than a Sunday or public holiday. 

Can a landlord or their agent take photos and videos of your home during an inspection without notice?

No. A landlord or their agent must give 7 days' written notice to take photos or videos.

Can a landlord or their agent enter to carry out garden maintenance without notice?

No. A landlord or their agent must provide notice to carry out garden maintenance.  

Garden maintenance can be arranged at your request, at a time agreed between you and the landlord or their agent 7 days prior, or after being given between 7 and 14 days written notice stating the time of the proposed entry. 

 

Inspections


Can a landlord or their agent enter your home without notice for an inspection?

No. A landlord or their agent must give between 7 and 28 days written notice to inspect the property.

The written notice must specify a period of up to two hours between 8am and 8pm on any day other than a Sunday or public holiday (unless the property is in a remote location or the landlord or their agent need to be accompanied by someone else (for example, a tradesperson) for the inspection.

Do I need to be home for an inspection?

No, you do not need to be home for an inspection.

However, if you would like to be home, you do have the right to remain in the property.

If I want to be home for an inspection, can I request a new time?

Yes. If you wish to be home for an inspection, a landlord or their agent must make a reasonable effort to reschedule the time of the inspection for you to attend.

Tenant refusal


Can I refuse entry if the landlord or their agent has not given valid notice?

Yes. You can refuse entry to a landlord or agent representative if notice has not been provided, unless there is an emergency or urgent repairs are required.

If you have any questions about your individual situation, please call our Legal Helpline on 1300 466 424 Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm for a free and confidential chat.