Landlord rules in South Australia

South Australia is managed by Consumer and Business Services (SA) under the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA). Rules verified against the regulator. General information — not legal advice. Read the full disclaimer.

How much notice do I need to give for a routine inspection?

Routine inspection — 7 to 28 days' written notice; maximum 4 per year. You can generate the Entry notice (7–28 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1995 (SA) s 72(1)(c)

Source: Routine inspection ↗

How often can I increase the rent, and how much notice do I give?

Rent increase — once in any 12-month period (2024 reform); at least 60 days' written notice. You can generate the Notice of rent increase (60 days) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1995 (SA) s 55(2)(c)

Source: Rent increase ↗

How far behind does the rent have to be before I can issue a breach notice?

Rent arrears — a Form 5 breach notice is ineffectual unless the rent has been unpaid for not less than 14 days before it is given; the notice must allow at least 7 days to remedy. You can generate the Form 5 breach (7 days to remedy) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1995 (SA) s 80(2)(a), (1)(b); Residential Tenancies Regulations 2025 (SA) reg 22(2)

Source: Rent arrears ↗

How much bond can I take, and how is it lodged?

Bond — 4 weeks' rent (rent $800/wk or less) or up to 6 weeks (over $800); lodge via Residential Bonds Online.

Statutory basis: RTA 1995 (SA) s 61(3)

Source: Bond ↗

What are my smoke alarm obligations?

Smoke alarms — a compliant, working smoke alarm must be installed and maintained. You can generate the Smoke alarm check from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Source: Smoke alarms ↗

What minimum standards does the property have to meet?

Minimum housing standards — must be met before occupation (Housing Improvement Act; from 1 Jul 2024).

Source: Minimum housing standards ↗

How do I end a tenancy at the end of the fixed term?

Ending a tenancy — no-grounds terminations abolished (1 Jul 2024); a prescribed ground + evidence required (periodic: 90 days; end of a fixed term: 60 days). You can generate the Notice of termination (prescribed ground) from the Compliance screen when the tenancy is eligible.

Statutory basis: RTA 1995 (SA) ss 83, 83A(2)

Source: Ending a tenancy ↗

What counts as an urgent repair, and what must I do about it?

Urgent repairs — tenant may arrange via a licensed person and recover the reasonable cost (no fixed dollar cap).

Source: Urgent repairs ↗

Can I refuse a tenant's pet request?

In South Australia, respond to a written pet request within 14 days. You may only refuse on prescribed grounds, and if you don't respond within 14 days consent is taken to be given. No separate pet bond is allowed. Decisions the tenant disputes are heard by SACAT. Use the app's pet annexure + decision letter to record it properly.

Source: South Australia — pet rules ↗

How does my tenant pay rent?

Rent lives on the Rent page — see who's paid and record payments. Your tenant pays your bank account directly (transfer or PayID, matched by reference); LandlordMate never touches the money, it just keeps the record.

Source: How-to · Rent ↗

How do I screen an applicant?

Applicants and their checks live on Screening — compare them, run the background check, and send a good prospect an application link.

Source: How-to · Screening ↗

How do I advertise a vacancy?

Open the property and turn on the listing bridge — you get a public link and a private enquiries inbox to paste into realestate.com.au or share directly. Your contact details stay private.

Source: How-to · Open a property ↗

How do I get my EOFY pack for my accountant?

Reports has your monthly owner statement and EOFY pack — export CSV or OFX (imports into Xero, MYOB & QuickBooks) or email the pack to your accountant.

Source: How-to · Reports ↗