It is hoped major reforms that have passed SA Parliament will help regional residents who are struggling to find reliable and affordable homes to rent.
The vacancy rate is hovering around zero to one per cent in our regions, including in Goolwa and Victor Harbor, areas of the Adelaide Hills, the Murray Bridge CBD, Mannum and Strathalbyn.
Under the amended Residential Tenancies Act, the minimum notice to end a tenancy from 28 days to 60 days so tenants will have more time to secure a new home and make the necessary arrangements to move.
Landlords will only be able to end a periodic tenancy (or not renew a fixed term lease) for a prescribed reason, including breaches by the tenant or wanting to sell, renovate or occupy the property.
For the first time, tenants will also be allowed to keep pets in rental properties with reasonable conditions to be set by their landlord (such as keeping the animal outside or having the carpets cleaned at the end of the tenancy).
The reforms represent the biggest overhaul of South Australia’s rental laws since the introduction of the Residential Tenancies Act in 1995.
