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This guide is a practical starting point for Australian landlords. Tenancy rules, authority processes and forms can change by state or territory, so use it to understand the workflow, then check the current authority process before issuing formal notices, lodging tribunal applications or making legal or financial decisions. Landlord Wise can help you organise records and ask Wise AI state-specific questions.
The Residential Tenancies Act 1995 is the primary legislation governing every residential tenancy in South Australia. If you’re a landlord — whether you use a property manager or manage the property yourself — this Act defines what you can and cannot do, what your tenant can and cannot do, how disputes are resolved, and what happens when you get it wrong.
Between March 2024 and January 2026, the Act underwent its first comprehensive reform since it was enacted. No-grounds terminations were abolished. Penalties increased dramatically — in some cases by up to 10 times their previous amounts. New obligations were introduced for pet approvals, minimum housing standards, tenant information handling, and prescribed rental application forms. If you’re still operating under the rules you learned five years ago, you are almost certainly in breach of at least one provision.
This guide walks through the Act’s structure and the key provisions that affect landlords. It is not a substitute for reading the legislation itself — but it will tell you where to look, what changed, and what the penalties are if you get it wrong.
If you’re looking for the practical workflow behind the Act, start with our SA lease agreement guide, SA rental bond guide, and SA rent increase guide guides for this state.
At a Glance: The Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA)
- Full title: Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (South Australia)
- Regulations: Residential Tenancies Regulations 2025 (commenced 1 September 2025, replacing the 2010 Regulations)
- Administering body: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
- Tribunal: South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)
- Bonds: Held by the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs in the Residential Tenancies Fund
- Major reform: Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2023, commencing in stages from 1 March 2024 to 15 January 2026
- No-grounds terminations: Abolished from 1 July 2024
- Maximum penalties: Up to $50,000 for the most serious offences
Structure of the Act
The Act is divided into nine Parts, each covering a different aspect of the landlord-tenant relationship. Understanding the structure helps you find the right section when you need it.
Part 1 — Preliminary (Sections 1–5) sets out the definitions, the types of agreements the Act applies to, and the exemptions. Not every rental arrangement is covered — for example, agreements where the tenant is a boarder or lodger sharing the landlord’s home are generally excluded (Section 5). The Act applies to written, verbal, and implied agreements equally.
Part 2 — Administration (Sections 6–10) establishes the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs as the administrator of the Act and sets out the Commissioner’s functions, including conciliation of disputes, administration of the Residential Tenancies Fund, and publication of guidance materials.
Part 3 — South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (Sections 24–39A) covers SACAT’s jurisdiction over tenancy disputes. SACAT can make orders for compensation, termination, possession, repairs, and restraining orders. It can also review bond disputes referred by the Commissioner. From the 2024 reforms, SACAT’s Registrar can make orders in certain straightforward cases (Section 25A), and internal review of orders requiring payment is limited to exceptional circumstances (Section 114A).
Part 4 — Mutual Rights and Obligations of Landlord and Tenant (Sections 47A–78A) is the longest and most important Part for landlords. It covers everything that happens during a tenancy — from advertising and choosing a tenant, through to the lease agreement, rent, bonds, entry rights, repairs, pets, alterations, and tenant information. Most of the 2024 reforms landed here.
Part 5 — Termination of Residential Tenancy Agreements (Sections 79–99) governs how tenancies end — by notice from the landlord, notice from the tenant, order of SACAT, abandonment, or death of a sole tenant. This Part was fundamentally rewritten in 2024 to abolish no-grounds terminations and introduce prescribed grounds. For a detailed treatment, see our Eviction Notice SA guide.
Part 5A — Residential Tenancy Databases (Sections 99A–99M) regulates tenant “blacklists.” Landlords can only list a tenant on a database for specific breaches, must notify the tenant before listing, and must ensure the listing is accurate. SACAT can order the removal of incorrect listings.
Part 6 — Residential Tenancies Fund (Sections 100–102) establishes the fund that holds all bond money in SA. The fund is administered by the Commissioner, and its income is applied to tenant education, administration of the Act, and other prescribed purposes.
Part 7 — Rooming Houses (Sections 103–105W) governs rooming house agreements separately from standard residential tenancies. From 1 July 2024, designated rooming house proprietors must be registered.
Part 8 — Dispute Resolution (Sections 106–114A) covers conciliation by the Commissioner, intervention powers, SACAT’s powers to make orders, and the rules around representation and costs. Notably, a person who represents a party at SACAT cannot charge a fee unless they are a legal practitioner or an agent appointed to manage the premises (Section 114).
Part 9 — Miscellaneous (Sections 115–121) includes the anti-avoidance provision (Section 115 — a contract or arrangement to defeat the Act is an offence carrying up to $50,000), the rule that a landlord’s termination notice is not waived by accepting rent (Section 117), and the regulation-making power.
The 2024–2026 Reforms: What Changed
The Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2023 was passed on 29 November 2023 and commenced in stages. This was the first comprehensive review of the Act since 1995. The changes are substantial, and landlords who haven’t updated their processes are exposed to penalties that in many cases increased by several times their previous amounts.
1 September 2023 — Rent Bidding Banned
Landlords and agents must advertise premises at a fixed rental amount. You cannot solicit or invite offers of rent higher than the advertised price, advertise a rent range, or conduct a rent auction (Section 52A). A third party facilitating applications cannot rate or assess a prospective tenant based on an offer of higher rent (Section 52B). The maximum penalty is $20,000.
1 March 2024 — Penalty Increases
Penalties for existing offences were increased dramatically to reflect current-day values. The increases affect virtually every obligation in the Act. For example, the penalty for failing to provide the Tenant Information Guide rose from $2,500 to $25,000. The penalty for failing to lodge a bond rose from $5,000 to $35,000. The penalty for interfering with a tenant’s quiet enjoyment rose from $5,000 to $35,000. A full table of the changes is published by CBS in the Changes to Maximum Penalties and Expiation Fees document.
1 July 2024 — Major Reform Commencement
This was the biggest single day of change. The key reforms that commenced on 1 July 2024 include:
No-grounds terminations abolished. Landlords must now specify a prescribed ground to end a periodic tenancy (Section 83, Regulation 24) or to not renew a fixed-term tenancy at the end of its term (Section 83A, Regulation 25). The notice period for ending a periodic tenancy increased from 28 days to 90 days (Form 8). The notice period for not renewing a fixed-term tenancy is 60 days (Form 9). For detailed coverage of every termination ground, notice period, and form, see our Eviction Notice SA guide.
Pet provisions introduced. Tenants can apply to keep a pet on the premises. The landlord must respond within 14 days, and can only refuse on prescribed grounds — such as the pet posing an unacceptable risk to health or safety, or the premises being unsuitable (Section 66C–66G). If the landlord doesn’t respond within 14 days, consent is taken to be given. Approval to keep a pet continues if the tenancy is renewed or a new agreement is entered into with the same tenant at the same premises (Section 66F).
Minimum housing standards. Landlords must ensure that premises comply with prescribed minimum housing standards under the Housing Improvement Act 2016 at the start of a tenancy (Section 67A). The standards are administered by the Housing Safety Authority SA. The maximum penalty for non-compliance is $25,000.
Tenant information protections. The Act now strictly limits what information landlords can request from prospective tenants (Section 47B). A landlord can request a maximum of 2 documents per category — identity, financial ability, and suitability — and must destroy unsuccessful applicant information within prescribed timeframes. The maximum penalty for requesting prohibited information is $20,000.
Routine inspections capped at 4 per year. Section 72(1)(c) now limits inspections to 4 per year (previously once every 4 weeks, which allowed up to 13 per year). Written notice of 7 to 28 days is required, specifying a 2-hour window within normal hours (8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays).
Photography and video restrictions. From 1 July 2024, for routine inspections, SACAT-ordered inspections, prospective tenant or purchaser viewings, and breach-remedy checks, the landlord or agent must give at least 7 days’ written notice before producing photographs or video during entry if the record may later be distributed or published. If the photograph or video captures the tenant’s personal possessions, the landlord or agent must also obtain the tenant’s written consent before producing it (Section 72(5a), Regulation 21).
Sale disclosure requirements. If a landlord intends to sell the premises within 3 months after entering into a tenancy agreement, the landlord must advise the prospective tenant before the agreement is entered into (Section 47A). Failing to disclose carries a maximum penalty of $20,000.
Sub-letting at no extra cost. A landlord cannot unreasonably refuse consent to sub-letting, and cannot charge a fee for giving consent (Section 74B). The maximum penalty for demanding or receiving a fee for consent is $20,000.
1 September 2025 — New Regulations
The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2025 commenced, replacing the expired 2010 Regulations. The new Regulations introduced the prescribed rental application form (Form A1), added new termination grounds (landlord entering a sales agency agreement; purpose-built student accommodation lease renewal non-response), and updated evidence requirements for termination notices. The Tenant Information Guide was also updated.
1 January 2026 — Mandatory Form A1
From this date, landlords and agents must use the prescribed Form A1 for all rental applications (Regulation 8). A separate form must be completed by each prospective tenant to be listed on the resulting lease. The form allows prospective tenants to indicate a preferred tenancy duration. For detail on how Form A1 works, see our Lease Agreement SA guide.
15 January 2026 — Technical Amendments
Minor technical changes commenced, including: electronic receipts are explicitly permitted as an alternative to paper; the one rent increase per 12 months rule was clarified to prohibit advance agreements for incremental raises within a year (Section 55(2b)); the 6-month re-letting restriction after termination on certain grounds was made consistent across fixed-term and periodic tenancies; and SACAT can now review vacant possession orders containing rent payment plans without first determining exceptional circumstances.
Key Obligations for Landlords
The following is not an exhaustive list — the Act contains dozens of obligations — but these are the provisions that self-managing landlords most commonly need to understand and are most likely to breach.
Before the Tenancy Starts
Notify prospective tenants of intended sale. If you’ve advertised, intend to advertise, or have an existing sales agency agreement for the sale of the premises, you must advise the prospective tenant before entering into the agreement (Section 47A). Maximum penalty: $20,000. Expiation fee: $1,200.
Advertising and misleading conduct. If you intend to sell within 3 months, you must display and distribute this information as prescribed by the Commissioner, and must not induce a tenant to enter the agreement by making false or misleading statements or by concealing a material fact (Section 47C). Maximum penalty: $35,000. Expiation fee: $2,000.
Use Form A1 for rental applications. From 1 January 2026, all rental applications must use the prescribed form. You cannot request information beyond what the form allows, and you are limited to 2 documents per category for verification. Unsuccessful applicant information must be destroyed within prescribed timeframes (Section 47B, Regulation 8).
Provide the Tenant Information Guide. Before entering into a tenancy agreement, you must give the tenant a copy of the written guide published by CBS (Section 49(3)). You must keep a copy of the agreement for 2 years after the tenancy ends (Section 49(5)). Maximum penalty for failing to provide the guide: $25,000.
Provide Section 48 information. Before or at the start of the tenancy, you must give the tenant your name and postal or email address, an address for service of notices, a telephone number for emergency repairs, and — if electricity is supplied via an embedded network — the prescribed information about that network (Section 48). Maximum penalty: $20,000. Expiation fee: $1,200.
Provide an inspection sheet (condition report). At the beginning of the tenancy, you must provide the tenant with a signed condition report that includes comprehensive details of fixtures, furniture, and other contents and their condition (Regulation 4). The tenant must sign and return it, and you must give them a copy.
Ensure minimum housing standards are met. The premises must comply with the prescribed minimum housing standards at the start of the tenancy (Section 67A). Maximum penalty: $25,000.
During the Tenancy
Bond rules. You can require a bond of up to 4 weeks’ rent where the rent is $800 per week or less, or up to 6 weeks’ rent where the rent exceeds $800 per week (Section 61, Regulation 13). You must receipt the bond within 48 hours and lodge it with the Commissioner within 2 weeks (registered agents have 4 weeks) (Sections 61–62, Regulation 14). Maximum penalty for failing to lodge: $35,000. From 1 July 2024, tenants can lodge their own bond directly with the Commissioner, who will then notify you (Section 62(3)). For the full bond lifecycle, see our Rental Bond SA guide.
Rent. You cannot require more than 2 weeks’ rent in advance before the end of the first 2 weeks of the tenancy (Section 54). You must provide at least one free electronic payment method — you cannot charge the tenant a fee for paying rent (Section 56A). Rent can only be increased once per 12 months, with at least 60 days’ written notice, and advance agreements for incremental raises within a year are prohibited (Section 55). For detailed coverage, see our Rent Increase SA guide.
Repairs. You must ensure the premises and ancillary property are in a reasonable state of repair at the start of the tenancy and keep them in that condition, having regard to their age, character, and prospective life (Section 68). The obligation applies even if the tenant knew about the disrepair before moving in (Section 68(1a)). You are not in breach unless you have notice of the defect and fail to act with reasonable diligence. If a repair is urgent — likely to result in personal injury, property damage, or undue inconvenience — and you fail to act after being notified, the tenant can arrange repairs by a licensed tradesperson and recover the cost from you (Section 68(3)(e)).
Appliance efficiency. When you install or replace an appliance, fitting, or fixture at the premises from 1 July 2024 onwards, it must meet the minimum energy and water efficiency requirements prescribed by the Regulations (Section 68A). This does not apply to appliances already installed before that date, but will apply when they are replaced.
Drug contamination testing. If you become aware that drug-related conduct has occurred on the premises, you must notify the tenant as soon as reasonably practicable and have the premises tested for contamination within 1 month of giving that notice (Section 67B). If the premises are contaminated, you must ensure remediation is carried out so that the premises comply with the minimum housing standards. Maximum penalty for failing to test within 1 month: $25,000. Expiation fee: $1,200.
Entry to premises. You may only enter the premises in the circumstances set out in Section 72. The most common are: emergency (no notice required), inspection (7–28 days’ written notice, maximum 4 per year, within a 2-hour window during normal hours), non-emergency repairs (48 hours’ notice or at the tenant’s request), garden maintenance (7–14 days’ notice), and showing the premises to prospective tenants (reasonable notice, only during the last 28 days of the tenancy) or prospective purchasers (no more than 2 occasions per week, at a reasonable time with reasonable notice). Entry must be between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays.
Quiet enjoyment. You must not cause or permit interference with the tenant’s reasonable peace, comfort, or privacy (Section 65). Maximum penalty: $35,000.
Assignment and sub-letting. You cannot unreasonably withhold consent to a tenant’s request to sub-let or assign the tenancy (Section 74). If you refuse, the tenant can apply to SACAT for an order. You cannot charge a fee for giving consent (Section 74B). Maximum penalty: $20,000.
Ending the Tenancy
The termination framework was fundamentally rewritten in 2024. The key points for landlords:
No-grounds terminations are gone. You must specify a prescribed ground in every termination notice (Sections 79, 81, 83, 83A). The grounds and notice periods depend on whether the tenancy is periodic or fixed-term, and which form you use — Form 5 (breach), Form 7 (possession required — demolition, renovation, owner/family occupation, contract of sale, sales agency agreement), Form 8 (periodic tenancy, prescribed grounds under Regulation 24), or Form 9 (fixed-term non-renewal, prescribed grounds under Regulation 25).
Breach termination (Section 80). If a tenant breaches the agreement, you can give a notice requiring the breach to be remedied within a specified period. If the breach is not remedied, you can give a notice of termination. For non-payment of rent, if the tenant is in arrears for 14 days or more, you can serve a Form 5 notice.
Periodic tenancy — possession required (Section 81). You can end a periodic tenancy with 60 days’ notice (Form 7) if you require possession for demolition, substantial renovation, owner/family occupation, to give vacant possession to a purchaser under a contract of sale, or to sell the premises under a sales agency agreement with a registered agent. You are prohibited from re-letting the premises for 6 months after termination on these grounds without SACAT’s consent (Section 91A, Regulation 33).
Periodic tenancy — prescribed grounds (Section 83). You can end a periodic tenancy with 90 days’ notice (Form 8) for grounds set out in Regulation 24 — including unauthorised pet keeping, the tenant inducing the agreement through false information, the tenant no longer meeting eligibility requirements, or the tenant or their visitor posing a serious risk to safety or threatening the landlord.
Fixed-term non-renewal (Section 83A). You can choose not to renew a fixed-term tenancy at the end of the term with 60 days’ notice (Form 9) for grounds set out in Regulation 25 — including demolition, renovation, owner/family occupation, contract of sale, or sales agency agreement.
Evidence requirements. For certain termination grounds (demolition, renovation, owner/family occupation, contract of sale, sales agency agreement), the notice must be accompanied by supporting written evidence as approved by the Commissioner (Section 91, Regulation 32). The specific evidence requirements are published on the CBS website.
Re-letting restrictions. After terminating on certain grounds (demolition, renovation, owner/family occupation, contract of sale, sales agency agreement), you cannot re-let the premises for use primarily as a residence within 6 months without SACAT’s consent (Section 91A, Regulation 33).
Tenant’s right to vacate early. If a tenant receives a termination notice under Section 81 or 83A, they can vacate before the termination date and stop paying rent, provided they give the landlord at least 7 days’ written notice (Sections 81(3a), 83A(4)).
For the complete breakdown of every termination ground, notice period, form, and evidence requirement, see our Eviction Notice SA guide. For early termination by the tenant during a fixed term, see our Break Lease SA guide.
Penalties
The March 2024 penalty increases were substantial. Here are the key penalties landlords should be aware of:
| Obligation | Section | Maximum Penalty | Expiation Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contract to avoid the Act | s 115(3) | $50,000 | — |
| Charging for representation at SACAT (unless authorised) | s 114 | $50,000 | — |
| Failing to lodge bond with Commissioner | s 62(2) | $35,000 | $2,000 |
| Requiring excessive bond | s 61(1) | $35,000 | $2,000 |
| Interfering with tenant's quiet enjoyment | s 65(2) | $35,000 | — |
| Charging tenant a fee for paying rent | s 56A(2) | $35,000 | $2,000 |
| Advertising without prescribed information / misleading conduct | s 47C | $35,000 | $2,000 |
| Contravening security of premises obligations | s 66 | $35,000 | — |
| Failing to provide Tenant Information Guide | s 49(3) | $25,000 | $1,200 |
| Failing to receipt bond within 48 hours | s 62(1) | $25,000 | $1,200 |
| Failing to provide free electronic payment method | s 56A(1) | $25,000 | $1,200 |
| Requiring rent in advance beyond 2 weeks | s 54 | $25,000 | $1,200 |
| Premises not meeting minimum housing standards | s 67A | $25,000 | $1,200 |
| Discriminating against tenants with children | s 52 | $25,000 | — |
| Soliciting rent bidding | s 52A | $20,000 | $1,200 |
| Requesting prohibited information from applicants | s 47B | $20,000 | $1,200 |
| Failing to notify of intended sale | s 47A | $20,000 | $1,200 |
| Contravening entry requirements | s 72(6) | $20,000 | $1,200 |
The expiation fee is the on-the-spot fine you can pay to resolve the matter without going to court. If you don’t pay the expiation fee and the matter proceeds to court, the maximum penalty applies. These are per-offence amounts — multiple breaches across multiple tenancies compound quickly.
Inconsistent Lease Terms Are Invalid
One of the most important provisions in the Act is also one of the simplest: any term of a residential tenancy agreement that is inconsistent with the Act is void (Section 115). It doesn’t matter if the tenant agreed to it, signed it, or even suggested it. If the term contradicts the Act, it has no legal effect.
This catches landlords who use interstate agreement templates, old agreement forms that predate the 2024 reforms, or agreements with additional terms that conflict with the legislation. Common examples of invalid terms include clauses that prohibit pets outright (the Act now provides a pet approval process), clauses that restrict the number of occupants beyond what is reasonable (tenants have a right to sub-let with consent), clauses that require inspections more frequently than 4 per year, and clauses that require the tenant to pay for specific types of repairs that are the landlord’s responsibility under Section 68.
The safest approach is to use the standard CBS lease agreement forms — one for fixed-term tenancies and one for periodic tenancies — and be careful with any additional terms you add. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the SA lease agreement, see our Lease Agreement SA guide.
Disputes and SACAT
SACAT handles all tenancy disputes in South Australia that cannot be resolved by agreement between the parties or through conciliation by the Commissioner. Either party — landlord or tenant — can apply to SACAT for orders.
Conciliation first. Before a matter reaches SACAT, the Commissioner can conciliate the dispute (Part 8, Division 1). This is a less formal process where the Commissioner attempts to help the parties reach an agreement. Either party can decline conciliation, in which case the matter proceeds to SACAT.
What SACAT can order. SACAT has broad powers under Part 8, Division 3. It can order compensation, termination of the agreement, an order for possession, specific performance (such as requiring a landlord to carry out repairs), restraining orders, and variation or setting aside of harsh or unconscionable terms. SACAT can also make orders about bond disputes referred by the Commissioner.
Representation. You can represent yourself at SACAT, or be represented by a legal practitioner. An agent who has been appointed to manage the premises can also represent the landlord and charge a fee for doing so (Section 114(c)). A person who is not a lawyer or an authorised agent cannot charge a fee for representation — the maximum penalty for doing so is $50,000.
Internal review. From the 2024 reforms, a party cannot apply for internal review of a SACAT order requiring payment of money unless there are exceptional circumstances (Section 114A). This prevents delays in compensation and bond payments.
For the most common landlord workflows in practice, our SA rental bond guide, SA eviction notice guide, and SA break lease guide guides are the next pages to keep close by.
Common Mistakes Landlords Make
Using Outdated Forms or Templates
The prescribed forms changed on 1 July 2024 and again on 1 September 2025. If you’re using termination forms, condition reports, or lease agreements from before those dates, they may not comply with the current Regulations. Always download the latest versions from the CBS website or sa.gov.au/tenancy.
Not Providing Required Documents
At the start of a tenancy, you must provide the Tenant Information Guide, the condition report, and the Section 48 information (your name and address, contact details for emergencies, and other prescribed information). Missing any of these is a separate offence with its own penalty. These are not optional extras — they are statutory requirements.
Ignoring the Prescribed Rental Application Form
Since 1 January 2026, you must use Form A1 for all rental applications. Using your own application form, an agent’s proprietary form, or an interstate form is not compliant. Each prospective tenant listed on the resulting lease must complete a separate Form A1.
Entering Without Proper Notice
The entry rules are specific and the penalties are real. You cannot enter for an inspection without giving 7–28 days’ written notice specifying the date and a 2-hour window. You cannot inspect more than 4 times per year. You cannot photograph the tenant’s possessions without 7 days’ prior notice. Entry must be during normal hours. Getting any of this wrong is an offence carrying a maximum penalty of $20,000.
Increasing Rent Too Frequently
Rent can only be increased once per 12 months, even if the tenant agrees to more frequent increases. The 15 January 2026 amendment made it explicit that advance agreements for incremental raises within a year are also prohibited. You must give at least 60 days’ written notice of any increase.
Terminating Without a Prescribed Ground
Every termination notice must specify a ground. If you issue a notice that doesn’t state a reason, or states a reason that is not one of the prescribed grounds, the notice is ineffective. The tenant is not required to leave, and if you apply to SACAT, the Tribunal will not make a possession order.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Residential Tenancies Act SA
What is the Residential Tenancies Act 1995? It is the primary legislation governing residential tenancies in South Australia. It sets out the rights and obligations of landlords and tenants, rules for bonds, rent, entry, repairs, termination, and dispute resolution. It is administered by Consumer and Business Services (CBS), with disputes heard by the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT).
When were the SA rental reforms introduced? The reforms were delivered through the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2023, which commenced in stages: rent bidding was banned on 1 September 2023, penalties increased on 1 March 2024, major reforms including the abolition of no-grounds terminations commenced on 1 July 2024, new Regulations commenced on 1 September 2025, the prescribed rental application form became mandatory on 1 January 2026, and technical amendments commenced on 15 January 2026.
Can I still end a tenancy without giving a reason in SA? No. Since 1 July 2024, every termination notice must specify a prescribed ground. For periodic tenancies, the grounds are set out in Sections 81 and 83 of the Act and Regulations 23 and 24. For fixed-term tenancies at the end of the term, the grounds are in Section 83A and Regulation 25. For breach of agreement, Section 80 applies. There is no general-purpose “no reason” termination available.
What is the maximum bond a landlord can charge in SA? For rent of $800 per week or less, the maximum bond is 4 weeks’ rent. For rent above $800 per week, the maximum bond is 6 weeks’ rent. All bonds must be lodged with the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs within 2 weeks of receipt (4 weeks for registered agents).
How often can I increase rent in SA? Once per 12 months, with at least 60 days’ written notice. This applies to both periodic and fixed-term tenancies (for fixed-term, only if the agreement includes a rent increase clause). Advance agreements for incremental raises within a year are prohibited.
How often can I inspect my rental property in SA? A maximum of 4 times per year, unless SACAT orders otherwise. You must give 7 to 28 days’ written notice, specifying the date and a 2-hour window during normal hours (8am–8pm, Monday–Saturday, excluding public holidays).
Can a tenant keep a pet in my rental property? Since 1 July 2024, tenants can apply to keep a pet. You must respond within 14 days. You can only refuse on prescribed grounds — such as the pet posing an unacceptable risk, the premises being unsuitable, or a strata by-law prohibiting pets. If you don’t respond within 14 days, consent is taken to be given.
What happens if I include a lease term that contradicts the Act? The term is void and unenforceable, regardless of whether the tenant agreed to it. The Act overrides any inconsistent agreement. Additionally, entering into an arrangement to defeat, evade, or prevent the operation of the Act is a criminal offence carrying a maximum penalty of $50,000.
Where can I find the prescribed forms? All prescribed forms — including the lease agreement, termination notices (Forms 3–18), condition report, Form A1 rental application, pet approval form, and notice to enter — are available free from the CBS website at sa.gov.au/tenancy or from the CBS Customer Service Centre at 4–6 Chesser Street, Adelaide.
How do I resolve a dispute with my tenant? Start by contacting CBS on 131 882 to attempt conciliation. If conciliation fails or either party declines, you can apply to SACAT. Applications can be lodged online through the SACAT website. You can represent yourself, use a lawyer, or have your property manager represent you if they have been appointed to manage the premises.
Summary
The Residential Tenancies Act 1995 is not optional reading for SA landlords — it is the framework within which every tenancy operates. The 2024–2026 reforms made it significantly more complex, with new obligations around termination grounds, pet approvals, housing standards, tenant information, and prescribed forms. The penalties for non-compliance are now substantial, with the highest reaching $50,000.
For self-managing landlords, the key takeaway is this: every step of the tenancy lifecycle — from advertising the property and processing applications, through to collecting rent, conducting inspections, handling repairs, and ending the tenancy — is governed by specific provisions with specific penalties. The days of managing a rental on informal arrangements and common sense alone are over.
Related guides for SA landlords
If you are building out the full landlord workflow for this state, these guides connect this page to the rest of the tenancy process.
Same-state guides
Compare tenancy law guides in other states
Related Guides
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SA Residential Tenancy Agreement Guide
How to complete the SA residential tenancy agreement step by step. Updated April 2026. Covers agreement terms, bond rules, rent payments, pet provisions, and the 2024-2026 rental reforms — built for SA landlords.
Rental Bond SA — Guide for Self-Managing Landlords
How to collect, lodge, increase, and refund a rental bond in South Australia. Updated April 2026. Covers maximum bond limits, lodgement deadlines, the RBO portal, bond claims, SACAT disputes, and the 2024-2026 rental reforms — built for SA landlords.
Eviction Notice SA — Complete Guide for Landlords
How to legally end a tenancy in South Australia. Covers every ground for termination, notice periods, required forms, evidence requirements, the SACAT process, re-letting restrictions, and the 2024–2025 reform changes. Updated April 2026.
Rent Increase SA: Guide for Landlords
Guide to SA rent increase rules for landlords: notice periods, frequency limits, fixed-term vs periodic agreements, tenant challenges and compliance risks.
Break Lease SA — Guide for Self-Managing Landlords
What happens when a tenant breaks a lease early in South Australia. Updated April 2026. Covers maximum liability caps, reletting and advertising cost formulas, tenant termination rights, and SACAT applications — built for SA landlords.
Rental Property Management Fees Adelaide: Landlord Guide
Guide to Adelaide rental property management fees for SA landlords: management fees, letting fees, inspection fees, lease renewal fees and self-management trade-offs.
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This guide is based on the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA), the Residential Tenancies (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2023 (SA), and the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2025 (SA). It is informational in nature and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, consult a lawyer or contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882.