SA’s new rental laws are now in effect

The major changes include:

• A ban on no-grounds evictions, with landlords requiring a prescribed reason to terminate or not renew a tenancy.
• An increase in the notice period to end a fixed tenancy from 28 days to 60 days.
• Permission for tenants to be able to have pets in rental homes under a set of guidelines.
• Minimum housing standards clearly laid out for each room in a property.
• More flexibility for victims of domestic violence.

The government has also appointed RentRight SA to be the state’s new tenant advice and advocacy service, with the organisation to assist renters and residential park residents with resolving tenancy issues before the need for tribunal action.

RentRight SA will also provide services such as financial counselling, rental administration assistance, and onsite at the tribunal support, while delivering regular information sessions about tenancy rights and responsibilities. The body will reportedly play a key role in policy formation going forward.

Ahead of the new laws taking effect, Malinauskas celebrated the strengthened tenancy provisions while also acknowledging that more needed to be done to promote the health of the rental market.

“We know that the only way to end the housing crisis is to build more homes, and this week we will be outlining our roadmap to do just that. But in the here and now, we’re making life fairer for renters,” the Premier said.

“These sensible measures that take effect from 1 July will make life easier for renters, while protecting the rights of property owners,” he added.

Andrea Michaels, South Australia’s Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, particularly welcomed the changes to allow domesticated animals in rentals.

“No longer will tenants have to make the devastating choice of giving up a beloved pet or having a roof over their head,” she commented.

Meanwhile, Andrea Heading, chief executive of the Real Estate Institute of South Australia, called this rental legislation “the most balanced in the country”.

“We have worked collaboratively with the government and our members to ensure that the reforms in South Australia are equitably balanced and protect the interests of both landlords and tenants,” Heading said.