Important changes to rental laws

What's New

^{Monday 1 July 2024}

Significant changes to South Australian rental laws come into effect today with the commencement of the remaining sections of the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2023 (SA) and associated regulations.

These changes aim to better protect tenants and modernise residential tenancy law.

Key changes include:

New termination requirements: Landlords must have a prescribed reason to terminate or not renew a tenancy.
Extended notice period: The notice period for a landlord not renewing a fixed tenancy has increased from 28 days to 60 days.
Pet policies: Tenants are allowed to keep pets in rental homes, subject to approval and reasonable conditions.
Support for tenants experiencing domestic abuse: New supports have been introduced for tenants facing domestic abuse.
Routine inspections: Routine inspections are now capped at four per year.
Bond lodgement: Tenants can now lodge bonds directly online.

Other significant changes that came into effect on 1 March 2024 include:

A ban on rent bidding: Rent bidding is prohibited.
More affordable rental bonds: Measures have been introduced to make rental bonds more affordable.
Rent increase restrictions: Rent can only be increased once within a 12-month period.

For more details and resources, visit Consumer and Business Services' rental reforms webpage or call our free Legal Helpline at 1300 366 424.