Renting in South Australia
Who is who when you rent in South Australia: the law, the regulator, the tribunal, and what to check at each step of a tenancy.
Last updated 12 Oct 2026. Written by MyRentAll; not reviewed by a lawyer.
Who is who
Residential tenancies in South Australia are covered by the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA).
Consumer and Business Services is the government body that gives renters and landlords information about their rights and obligations. Disputes that cannot be sorted out between the two of you can go to SACAT.
Consumer and Business Services publishes the forms, notice periods and current rules for South Australia. Check them there: they change from time to time, and this guide does not repeat them.
Before you apply
Inspect the home if you can, and read the listing carefully: the rent, the bond, when it is available, and anything said about pets, parking and furnishings.
You can be asked for things that help show you can pay the rent and look after the home, such as identity documents, proof of income and references. Share only what is asked for, and ask why if something seems unrelated to renting the home.
It is against the law in Australia to refuse someone a rental because of protected attributes such as race, sex, disability, age or family status. Equal opportunity and human rights bodies in each state and at the federal level can help if you think this has happened to you.
Signing the lease and paying the bond
Read the whole agreement before you sign, including any extra terms. Keep a copy of everything you sign.
There are rules in South Australia about how much bond can be asked for and where it is held. Consumer and Business Services explains how bonds are lodged and returned. Keep the receipt or the bond number you are given.
Fill in the condition report at the start with care and take dated photos. It is the record both sides rely on when the tenancy ends.
During the tenancy
Report repairs to the landlord in writing and keep a copy. State law sets out what counts as urgent and what each side must do.
A landlord needs a lawful reason and must give written notice before entering the home, and before increasing the rent. How much notice, and how often, is set by state law.
Keep your rent payments and messages in one place. Records help if there is ever a disagreement.
When the tenancy ends
Either side ending a tenancy must use the right notice for the reason, given the right way. Consumer and Business Services lists the notices and periods for South Australia.
Leave the home in the condition it was in at the start, apart from fair wear and tear, and compare it with the condition report. Agree on the bond return in writing where you can.
If you cannot agree, SACAT can decide. Tenancy advice services can help renters prepare.
Where to check the rules
Consumer and Business Services (opens in a new tab) has the current forms, notice periods and rules for South Australia.