Modernising SA's renting laws

Consultation has concluded

Have your say about proposed changes to South Australia’s renting laws for residential properties.


What's being decided?

South Australia’s rental laws are being updated to better meet the needs of today’s rental housing market, improve protections for renters and ensure landlords can continue to manage properties effectively. This comprehensive review of the law will cover a wide range of aspects such as longer tenancies, the maximum bond amount, rent bidding, keeping a pet and water bills.

A discussion paper has been prepared to consult with the public about possible areas for reform. You can also suggest changes to the Residential Tenancies Act that are not addressed in the discussion paper.


Background

Since the last substantial review in 2014 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, rent prices have increased significantly, new rental bond products have entered the market, and there has been a general shift by the public towards more online transactions.

In August 2022, the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs convened a forum with stakeholders in the rental sector to discuss current renting issues and to consider how renting laws could be updated to ensure the right balance between the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has considered the matters raised during the stakeholder forum and also the issues raised by landlords, tenants and property managers through its tenancy advice service.


Get involved

To have your say about SA’s renting laws:

• Respond to the survey

• Send written feedback to:

Residential Tenancies Review
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide, SA 5001

or via email to CBSReforms@sa.gov.au.


What are the next steps?

Consumer and Business Services will consider your feedback and provide a report to the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs in the first quarter of 2023. Draft legislation will be released for consultation in due course.

Have your say about proposed changes to South Australia’s renting laws for residential properties.


What's being decided?

South Australia’s rental laws are being updated to better meet the needs of today’s rental housing market, improve protections for renters and ensure landlords can continue to manage properties effectively. This comprehensive review of the law will cover a wide range of aspects such as longer tenancies, the maximum bond amount, rent bidding, keeping a pet and water bills.

A discussion paper has been prepared to consult with the public about possible areas for reform. You can also suggest changes to the Residential Tenancies Act that are not addressed in the discussion paper.


Background

Since the last substantial review in 2014 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, rent prices have increased significantly, new rental bond products have entered the market, and there has been a general shift by the public towards more online transactions.

In August 2022, the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs convened a forum with stakeholders in the rental sector to discuss current renting issues and to consider how renting laws could be updated to ensure the right balance between the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has considered the matters raised during the stakeholder forum and also the issues raised by landlords, tenants and property managers through its tenancy advice service.


Get involved

To have your say about SA’s renting laws:

• Respond to the survey

• Send written feedback to:

Residential Tenancies Review
Consumer and Business Services
GPO Box 1719
Adelaide, SA 5001

or via email to CBSReforms@sa.gov.au.


What are the next steps?

Consumer and Business Services will consider your feedback and provide a report to the Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs in the first quarter of 2023. Draft legislation will be released for consultation in due course.

Consultation has concluded