MORE RIGHTS FOR RENTERS

The State Government continues to implement major tenancies reforms which provide better protections for tenants including, mechanisms that will make it harder to terminate tenancy agreements and increase rent.

More rights to own pets

For the first time in South Australia, tenants now have the right to own a pet under further rental reforms to address affordability and balance the needs of tenants and landlords

A tenant who applies to keep a pet in a rental property cannot have their request unreasonably refused.

Renters must still seek permission from the landlord to keep a pet, provided the tenant agrees to comply with any reasonable conditions imposed by the landlord, such as:

  • requiring a pet to be kept outside of the rental property if the pet is not a type of pet ordinarily kept inside;
  • requiring carpets to be professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy, if a pet is allowed inside the premises; and
  • accepting liability if the pet causes damage.

Landlords can still refuse to allow a pet if they have a justifiable reason such as the property lacking suitable space or fencing, if keeping the pet does not comply with Council requirements or if the animal presents a public safety risk.

More affordable residential tenancy bonds

Previously landlords were able to claim residential bonds equivalent to a maximum six-weeks’ rent when the weekly rent is $250 or greater.

The bond threshold has been raised from $250 to $800 to ensure that, for the majority of rental properties in South Australia, only a four-week bond will be required.

This change applies to any bond paid or payable under an agreement entered into on or after 1 April 2023, and will reduce the amount of upfront costs for tenants by between $500 and $1,600, depending on the amount of rent they are paying.

Banning rent bidding

The government has banned the practice of rent bidding. Landlords and their agents can no longer to advertise properties with a rent range, put properties up for rent auction, or solicit offers over the advertised rental price.

This reform brings South Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions which have introduced restrictions on rent bidding.

Additionally, where a third party is facilitating tenancy applications, any rating or assessment of a prospective tenant must not be based on an offer of higher rent.

Private Rental Assistance Program 

The eligibility criteria for Private Rental Assistance, which provides financial assistance to eligible customers who either have difficulty meeting the upfront costs associated with renting privately, or need help to maintain their accommodation, has been reviewed to enable more households to access this support. Changes include;

  • increasing the household cash assets test limit to $62,150 per household.
  • Increasing the weekly rent limit from $450 to $600 per week.

Rent in advance payments have also been increased from one week to two weeks’ rent for low-income households, as well as an increase in the availability of rent in arrears payments, provided other eligibility criteria are met. It is estimated that around 400 additional households will become eligible for the program.

For more information