Residential Tenancies Reform
The State Government is introducing more protection for tenants, including more rights to own pets, more affordable bonds and a ban on rent bidding to help ease soaring rental prices.
More rights to own pets
For the first time in South Australia, tenants will have the right to own a pet under further rental reforms proposed by the State Government to address affordability and balance the needs of tenants and landlords
The State Government will consult on a bill so that 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 is taking action to ban the practice of rent bidding. Landlords and their agents will no longer be able 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.
For more information