This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
NEW rental laws are now in effect across South Australia, improving security for tenancies amidst some of the lowest vacancy rates on record.
The new reforms will mean landlords are required to provide prescribed grounds to terminate or not renew a tenancy and see the period to end a fixed tenancy increased from 28 days to 60 days.
Renters will also now be allowed to have pets in rental homes, with clear guidelines set by landlords such as keeping the animal outside or having the carpets cleaned at the end of the tenancy.
“No longer will tenants have to make the devastating choice of giving up a beloved pet or having a roof over their head,” said Andrea Michaels, minister for consumer and business affairs.
“Nor will they have to madly scramble to find a new home in 28 days or face the prospect of being evicted for no reason.”
Rental properties will now have to comply with minimum housing standards, tenant information will be better protected and more options will be provided for victims of domestic violence.
Since being introduced in April 2023, the state government has already introduced limits to the frequency of rent increases to once in a 12-month period, banning rent bidding and raising the bond threshold.
“We have improved security for tenants while protecting the rights of landlords,” added Michaels.
“We recognise how tough it is for tenants trying to rent in the current market and we have acted to make things fairer.”
Adelaide’s rental market remains the tightest in the country, despite seeing a 0.13% boost to the vacancy rate it remained below 1% in April, at 0.96%.
While according to PropTrack, house price growth is set to ease in Adelaide from 12.9% to between 5% and 8% over FY24.
