A park operator can ask for up to two weeks' rent in advance at the start of the residential park agreement. Residents don't have to pay any more rent until the two weeks have ended.
There could be other service and utility charges.
On this page
Increasing the rent
The rent can only be increased if the resident is given written notice and it is:
- at least 12 months since the last increase or since the start of the agreement - at least 60 days' notice required
- within 60 days of a housing improvement order being lifted - at least 14 days' notice required.
Written notice of rent increase
If a fixed term agreement is in place, rent can't be increased unless there's a condition in the contract that specifically allows for it. Written notice isn't needed if the increase and the date are clearly set out in the agreement.
Residents can apply to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) if they believe a rent increase is excessive. SACAT can make an order determining the amount of rent and the length of time it must remain unchanged.
Reducing the rent
Rent can be reduced if the park operator and resident agree. This can be a temporary change. Residents should be told the date the rent will revert back to the original amount.
Fees and charges
The park operator can pass on charges for utilities and services. Records must be kept and receipts issued for any money residents have paid.
Service charges
Separate charges can be included in the residential park agreement if a site has an individual meter for utilities, such as electricity,
If there is no individual meter, these charges can be included in the rent.
Residents can ask for details about any services charged. The resident doesn't have to pay for the service if they haven't been given this information.
Information about the service charges should include:
- the amount used
- the dollar amount of the charges and how that was calculated
- the period of time the charge relates to
- any other related matters, itemised and specific charge for each item.
If bottled gas is provided, it's the resident's responsibility to fill the gas bottle as needed and pay for the gas they use.
Embedded networks
Where electricity is supplied via an embedded network, the park owner must provide residents with:
- general information about the nature, benefits and potential consequences of participating
- details of the embedded network retailer and costs of participating – such as metering arrangements, electricity tariffs and the resident’s portion of costs for bundled utilities.
Fees for overnight visitors
The park operator can include a condition in the residential park agreement that a fee will be charged for overnight visitors. The dollar amount should be clearly stated in the agreement or in the park rules.
Things the park operator can't charge for
Park operators can't charge a fee:
- for entry or exit
- for management or communal amenities
- for a key, opening device or information needed for 24-hour access to the park
- to renew or extend a residential park agreement.
Concessions
Residents might be eligible for concessions for:
- water
- energy
- other household bills.
There's also a concession specifically for residential park residents.
Receipts and record keeping
A park operator must give the resident a receipt for any rent money within 48 hours. This isn't required if rent is paid directly into a bank account.
Park operators must keep detailed rent records for all rent paid.
Example of accurate rent receipts and records (629.2KB PDF)
Park operators must also give residents receipts for:
- bond - a receipt must be issued even if it's paid directly into a bank account
- service and utility charges
- any other payments made.
Contact CBS Tenancies
Email: CBStenancyadvice@sa.gov.au
Phone: 131 882
Post:
GPO Box 965
Adelaide SA 5001
