In a move to tackle South Australia’s rental crisis, the Government is set to introduce a set of rental reforms to Parliament.
These reforms, the most significant in a generation, aim to enhance tenant security while preserving landlord rights in a state grappling with a vacancy rate of less than 1 percent.
“These are the biggest reforms to South Australia’s residential tenancy laws in a generation,” Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs, Andrea Michaels, says.
“We have consulted extensively with tenants, landlords and stakeholder groups and we believe that these reforms strike the right balance.”
The proposed bill to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 encompasses a wide range of changes that promise to reshape the rental landscape in South Australia. Here are the key highlights:
1. Prescribed Grounds for Termination: Landlords will only be able to terminate or not renew a tenancy for specific reasons, including tenant breaches or the need to sell, renovate, or occupy the property.
2. Extended Notice Period: The notice period to end a tenancy will be extended from 28 days to 60 days. This extension will give tenants more time to secure alternative housing and make necessary arrangements for a smooth transition.
3. Pet-Friendly Policies: For the first time, tenants will have the right to keep pets in rental properties, subject to reasonable conditions set by their landlord. These conditions may include keeping pets outdoors or arranging for professional carpet cleaning at the end of the tenancy.
4. Tenant Advocacy Service: The government will introduce a tenant advocacy service aimed at educating and informing tenants, assisting them in resolving tenancy issues, providing support during tribunal hearings, and advocating for tenant-friendly policies.
These reforms build upon earlier government actions to address rental affordability, such as the ban on rent bidding and the increase in the bond threshold, which have already saved tenants more than $11.5 million since their introduction in April.
The government has expanded eligibility for the Private Rental Assistance Scheme, easing the financial burden for low-income individuals by offering bond guarantees and rent payments, reducing upfront costs.
These measures are part of the broader “A Better Housing Future” plan by the Government, which includes:
- Fast-tracking the release of residential land, the largest in the state’s history.
- Stamp duty exemptions for first-time homebuyers on new homes and vacant land for new construction.
- Accelerated approvals for new homes in strategic areas.
- The construction of 564 additional public homes and preservation of 580 others.
- Preparing around 700 affordable homes in Prospect, Bowden, and Playford under the National Housing Accord.
- Redevelopment of the former Adelaide Bus Station site and West End Brewery site to create over 1,000 new homes, including affordable housing.
- Development of housing for key workers in regional South Australia through the Office for Regional Housing in Renewal SA.
- Introduction of a new 2 percent deposit home loan through HomeStart for first homebuyers building new homes.
“These reforms will be transformative for many South Australians and provide welcome relief to renters in the middle of this housing crisis,” Hon. Robert Simms MLC says.
