South Australia Renting Reform — South Australia Laws (2026)
About this article
Sourced from Commonwealth Acts of Parliament, federal regulations, and official government guidance. State-level information reflects each state's own Acts and court decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Residential tenancy in Australia is legislated by each state and territory — section 51 of the Australian Constitution does not enumerate landlord-tenant law, leaving the field with the states. South Australia has progressively amended the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) through reform packages in 2023 and 2024, extending the prescribed grounds for termination and tightening rent-increase frequency.
This federal page is a framing stub. Open the region picker below and select South Australia for the operative amendments and CBS pathway.
When does it apply?
- You rent residential property in South Australia and want to understand the 2023-24 reforms.
- You are a landlord or agent in SA needing to comply with the new grounds and rent-increase rules.
What should you do?
- Open the South Australia variation below for the operative provisions and Consumer and Business Services pathway.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume Commonwealth law governs SA tenancies — the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) is state law.
How South Australia differs from federal law
The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2023 (SA) — the largest rewrite of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) since enactment — rolled out in tranches between September 2023 and July 2024 and is enforced by Consumer and Business Services SA. It bans rent bidding, abolishes no-cause termination, raises the bond threshold, and introduces minimum housing standards.
- Rent bidding banned from 1 September 2023 (s 52). Properties must be advertised at a single fixed weekly rent — no ranges, no rent auctions, no soliciting offers above the advertised price. Penalty up to $20,000 (expiation $1,200).
- No-cause evictions abolished from 1 July 2024 (ss 79, 81, 83, 83A). Every termination notice must state a prescribed reason set out in ss 80, 80A, 81, 83B and Residential Tenancies Regulations 2025 (SA) regs 23-25, with different grounds for periodic versus fixed-term agreements. Minimum tenant notice rose from 28 to 60 days.
- Bond threshold raised — $800 weekly rent (s 61(3)). If weekly rent is $800 or less, maximum bond is 4 weeks; only above $800 can a 6-week bond be required.
- Rent increases capped at once per 12 months (s 55B). In force since April 2023 — the basis for the SA Premier's claim of $40m saved by tenants.
- Minimum housing standards + reasonable pet keeping. Standards apply to every let from 1 July 2024; landlords may attach reasonable conditions to pet keeping (e.g. carpet cleaning at exit) but cannot blanket refuse a pet.
Additional Steps in South Australia
Lodge complaints, dispute notices, and bond claims with Consumer and Business Services SA (131 882 / cbs.sa.gov.au). Tenants requiring legal advice: SACAT tenancy disputes (sacat.sa.gov.au) and the Legal Services Commission of SA (1300 366 424). Lease termination notices without a prescribed ground are invalid and may be challenged at SACAT.
Relevant Law: Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA), ss 52, 55B, 61, 79-83B; Residential Tenancies Regulations 2025 (SA), regs 13, 23, 24, 25; Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2023 (SA) — staged commencement 1 September 2023 and 1 July 2024
Common Questions
What is the renting reform — south australia right in Australia?
Residential tenancy in Australia is legislated by each state and territory — section 51 of the Australian Constitution does not enumerate landlord-tenant law, leaving the field with the states. South Australia has progressively amended the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) through reform packages in 2023 and 2024, extending the prescribed grounds for termination and tightening rent-increase frequency.This federal page is a framing stub. Open the region picker below and select South Australia for the operative amendments and CBS pathway.
When does renting reform — south australia apply?
You rent residential property in South Australia and want to understand the 2023-24 reforms.You are a landlord or agent in SA needing to comply with the new grounds and rent-increase rules.
What should I do about renting reform — south australia?
Open the South Australia variation below for the operative provisions and Consumer and Business Services pathway.
What mistakes should I avoid with renting reform — south australia?
Don't assume Commonwealth law governs SA tenancies — the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) is state law.