New rental laws commence in South Australia on 1 July 2024 under "biggest update of rental laws" in nearly 30 years

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New rental laws commence in South Australia on 1 July 2024 under "biggest update of rental laws" in nearly 30 years

23 June 2024

In a media release today, the South Australian Government has announced the commencement of major rental reforms from 1 July 2024. This comes after earlier reforms were introduced to SA renting laws on 1 September 2023.

The July 2024 reforms also follow the State Government’s proposed bill from November 2023 to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, and it seems the then-proposed changes will now become law.

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Reforms to short-stay accommodation in Western Australia

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Reforms to short-stay accommodation in Western Australia

9 November 2023

In a media release on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) website today, the Western Australian Government has announced reforms to the short-stay accommodation sector, to improve housing availability through incentives to property investors.

Under the reforms, the following will apply:

  • All short-term rental accommodation providers to be required to register properties

  • New $10,000 incentive for property owners to transition existing short-term rental accommodation into long-term rental homes for Western Australians

  • Reforms to provide consistency across the sector and clarity on what is required to operate a short-term rental accommodation property.

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Bill introduced to amend South Australia's Residential Tenancy Act

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Bill introduced to amend South Australia's Residential Tenancy Act

1 November 2023

In a media release today, the South Australian Government has announced the introduction of “landmark rental reforms” to parliament as part of its commitment to improving housing outcomes in the rental market.

Under the proposed bill to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, changes to legislation would include:

  • introducing prescribed grounds to terminate or not renew a tenancy

  • extending the notice period to end a tenancy from 28 days to 60 days

  • allowing tenants to have pets in rental homes with reasonable conditions

  • protecting tenants’ information

  • ensuring rental properties comply with minimum housing standards

  • providing additional support for victims of domestic violence.

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National Association of Renters' Organisations launches report on principles for strengthening renters’ rights

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National Association of Renters' Organisations launches report on principles for strengthening renters’ rights

26 October 2023

The National Association of Renters' Organisations (NARO) has launched ‘The National Nine: Principles for Strengthening Renters' Rights’ – a briefing report providing expert guidance on the principles for strengthening renters’ rights in Australia.

In launching the report, a webinar event was held to give an overview of the report’s key recommendations and included a panel conversation. The topics discussed explored the challenges experienced by renters as renter advocacy groups and industry bodies seek solutions and identify priorities for a national tenancy reform agenda.

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Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023

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Rent bidding illegal in South Australia from 1 September 2023

1 September 2023

After placing a ban on rent bidding in July, South Australia Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has today announced that the practice of rent bidding is officially illegal in the state of South Australia. A landlord or agent found to be soliciting rent bids may be fined up to $20,000.

According to CBS, under the reforms:

  • Landlords or agents must now advertise premises at a fixed amount and must not solicit or otherwise invite an offer for higher rent. This means landlords are no longer able to advertise properties with a rent range, put properties up for rent auction, or solicit offers over the advertised rental price.

  • Additionally, where a third party is facilitating tenancy applications, any rating or assessment of a prospective tenant must not be based on an offer of higher rent.

  • A penalty of up to $20,000 will apply for breaches of the new rent bidding laws.

  • This significant reform brings South Australia in line with other Australian jurisdictions.

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NSW Government introduces rental commissioner role

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NSW Government introduces rental commissioner role

11 July 2023

Since launching community consultation around further changes to residential tenancy laws, the NSW Government has today announced the new role of rental commissioner to government.

The role of the rental commissioner will involve:

  • Acting as a voice for renters and working with the government and stakeholders to get moving on the reforms open for consultation now,

  • Being responsible for identifying and investigating other issues that impact the NSW rental market, and

  • Examining rental affordability and supply, encouraging longer-term rental agreements, investigating ways to improve energy efficiency for renters, developing educational resources for renters and owners, and monitoring current tenancy laws.

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NSW Government engages community consultation for further changes to rental laws

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NSW Government engages community consultation for further changes to rental laws

7 July 2023

After announcing its steps to further reform rules around rent bidding and introduce plans for a portable bond scheme, the NSW Government has today announced its plans to delve deeper into other potential residential tenancy reforms. Community consultation has begun to discuss topics such as:

  • Ending no-grounds evictions by requiring a reason to end a lease,

  • Making it easier for renters to have pets,

  • Protecting renters’ personal information and privacy,

  • Making it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another, and

  • Other ways to improve conditions for renters and take the pressure off.

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Reforms to South Australian renting law officially underway

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Reforms to South Australian renting law officially underway

27 March 2023

Following consultation with property industry participants and the public late last year, the South Australian Government has now introduced proposed changes to the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 to parliament.

The Government of South Australia initially outlined immediate priorities on 15 February 2023, including:

  • a commitment to improving housing outcomes

  • more affordable rental bonds

  • a ban on rent bidding

  • restrictions on what information is requested on rental application forms

  • greater protection for tenant information

As the key regulator of the property industry in South Australia, Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has announced they will “provide advice to the State Government to inform the best way forward for South Australia”.

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January 2023 Newsletter

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January 2023 Newsletter

9 January 2023

Newsletter snapshot:

  • Site-wide discount code!

  • Legislative changes: ACT Government to ban no-cause evictions in residential tenancies, NSW Government bans solicited rent bidding.

  • Industry updates: Attention NSW stockies: Minister for Agriculture announces funding for key stakeholders to implement electronic stock ID.

  • Reminders: NSW CPD due 22 March.

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