The Government of South Australia has officially banned rent bidding in an effort to ease rapidly rising rental prices. The reforms, which were first introduced to Parliament in March, will take effect from 1 September.
Here’s what you need to know
Adelaide’s record high median rent of $450 per week and the low vacancy rate of 0.6 per cent (among the lowest in the country) had created a perfect storm in which rent bidding – where prospective tenants are encouraged to offer above the advertised price – was common practice, and rental properties were becoming increasingly harder and more expensive to secure.
The ban, which brings South Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions, puts an end to this vicious cycle; landlords and agents are no longer able to advertise properties with a rent range, put properties up for rent auction, or hustle offers over the advertised rental price.
Rules around pets, bonds, and notice of termination have also been introduced.
- The bond threshold has been raised to $800, meaning the majority of tenants only have to pay a four-week bond now instead of six weeks.
- Tenants’ requests to have pets can no longer be unreasonably refused.
- The minimum notice to end a tenancy has been increased to 60 days (from 28), so tenants will have more time to secure a new place to live.
- These are all welcome changes in a time where queues of people winding down the streets of open houses is the grim reality of renting.
