Landlords must provide tenants with at least 60 days' written notice of a rent increase (160KB PDF).
There's no limit to how much rent can be increased. If a tenant can prove the total rent after it has been increased is excessive, they can apply to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) for the rent to be changed.
The rent can also be reduced if the landlord and tenant both agree.
When rent can be increased
Generally, rent can be increased after 12 months from the date of the last rent increase or from when the agreement started.
Fixed term agreements
A condition allowing for a rent increase must be included in the agreement. It needs to say how the increase will be worked out, such as according to CPI.
At least 60 days’ written notice still needs to be given and the increase cannot start until 12 months after the agreement began, or the rent was last increased.
Fixed and period agreements
Rent can be increased:
- if at least 60 days' written notice is given and the increase starts at least 12 months after the agreement began, or the rent was last increased.
- with an offer for a lease extension, provided it’s been 12 months since the agreement started, or the rent was last increased.
- if the specific amount of the increase and date it will commence is included as a condition in the agreement, for example, rent will increase to $400 per week from 1 July.
- if the tenant agrees to the increase. This usually happens if the property has been improved, for instance if an air conditioner is installed. Any agreement should be clear and in writing.
- within 60 days of the Housing Safety Authority removing a rent control notice by giving at least 14 days' notice
- in a community housing property - see information about rent increases and decreases.
Contact CBS Tenancies
Email: ocbatenancyadvice@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882
Post:
GPO Box 965
Adelaide SA 5001
Related information
On this site
Other websites
Substandard property register - Housing Safety Authority
