Modernising SA's renting laws

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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
  • Some reforms to commence 1 March 2024

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    New renting laws will be phased in, with a number of reforms to commence on 1 March 2024. Other measures that require more preparation will commence later in the year.

    See the fact sheet for details of the reforms commencing 1 March 2024.

    Further details are available on the CBS website at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rentreforms.

  • Consultation Outcome - Bill Passed

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    The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2023 was passed by the Parliament of South Australia 29 November 2023.

    Visit www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rentreforms to see planned changes. Supporting regulations will now be developed before the changes can commence.

  • Bill introduced November 2023

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    The government has introduced a Bill to parliament in November 2023 following consultation of the draft Bill.

    Visit http://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rentreforms to see the key components that have been included.

  • October 2023 update on the review of SA's renting laws

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    Further to the June 2023 update, targeted consultation on a draft Bill took place in August and September 2023. The feedback is being considered prior to the introduction of a Bill. Actions resulting from the consultation are outlined at http://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rentreforms and a consultation report is also available.

  • June 2023 update on the review of SA's renting laws

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    Contributions to this consultation have been evaluated and reviewed.

    Visit http://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rentreforms to see the immediate priorities announced by the Government of South Australia outlined on 15 February 2023 and the further round of reforms announced by the Government in June 2023.

    The project team will report back on key outcomes following further targeted consultation in the second half of 2023.