The biggest shake-up of tenancy laws in a generation comes into effect this month. The State Government reforms rewrite the rules for tenants to make them fairer, more secure, and pet-friendly. Here’s what you need to know.
The amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 are designed to give tenants more security and breathing room in a tight market. They’re a shift towards more equitable housing policies for South Australians who are having trouble finding a place to call home.
No more no-cause evictions!
In news that’s sure to bring a lot of renters’ peace of mind, landlords now need a prescribed reason to kick out a periodic tenant or refuse to renew a fixed-term lease such as breaches by the tenant, wanting to sell, renovate or occupy the property.
On top of that, the reforms mean tenants must now be given 60-days notice to end a tenancy – more than double the previous 28-day period. This new breathing space gives tenants less reason to panic and more time to plan their next move.
Furry friends are now welcome
In a big win for pet parents, SA renters now have the right to live with their furry (or scaly) friends with clear guidelines in place. That means no more heart-rending decisions about whether to give up your beloved canine companion in order to put a roof over your head. Your landlord can set some conditions, like keeping dogs outside or cleaning the carpets at moving-out time, but it’s a huge leap forward for pet lovers.
More good news for renters
All rental properties must comply with minimum housing standards and be free from health and safety hazards. That’s a massive win for anyone who’s ever spent a depressing weekend trawling through a whole lot of dodgy rental listings for new digs that are actually up to scratch for people to live in.
And in more good news, the changes to the law provide privacy protection for tenants by legally safeguarding their personal info. They also provide additional support for victims of domestic violence, making it easier for them to find a safe new home.
A service supporting tenants
Rent Right has also been appointed as the state’s new Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service. The service will help tenants with education, information, support in resolving issues, assistance with forms and letters, and support at tribunal hearings.
The bigger picture
These changes are more than just tweaks to existing laws – they’re major reforms to reshape how renting works in South Australia. And they’re only one part of the State Government’s big strategy to tackle the housing crisis, called A Better Housing Future.
The State Government has acted consistently to address rental affordability including by limiting the frequency of rent increases to once in a 12-month period, banning rent bidding and raising the bond threshold, which has already saved tenants more than $40 million since being introduced in April 2023.
It has also made more people eligible for the Private Rental Assistance Scheme, which saves people on low-incomes thousands of dollars by avoiding the upfront costs including bond and rent in advance by providing bond guarantees and rent payments.
No more random rent hikes
The State Government has ensured landlords can’t raise your rent more than once a year, along with tougher penalties to make sure rental protections are taken seriously. Plus, if you want to sublet, landlords can’t unreasonably say no or charge extra.
What else is happening?
A whole lot! The State Government’s plan to address the housing crisis isn’t just about the rental market, it’s also about making it affordable for more South Australians to buy their own home. That includes grants, the abolishment of stamp duty for eligible first homebuyers, land releases, and support from HomeStart to help first home buyers – plus a whole lot of new affordable and social housing.
We’ve got six tips for renters looking to buy a house here. Our handy guide to all the State Government’s help for first home buyers is here. Find out if you’re eligible for affordable or social housing here. And if you want to hear us talk more about the housing crisis, listen to our podcast.
Find out more about the rental reforms here.
