If you're renting a home in SA, you should be able to rely on it being kept cool in summer and warm in winter.

Basic things, like flyscreens on windows and covering up draughts, should be no-brainers for landlords — but sadly we know that some are simply refusing to do the right thing by their tenants. It’s shocking that some landlords are hiking up rents and making big profits while failing to invest in these basic amenities.

I've introduced two Private Members Bills into State Parliament that will deliver real improvements for SA renters.

My Residential Tenancies (Rent Freeze) Amendment Bill 2024 will free rents for 2 years and cap any future increases in line with inflation.

My Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Amendment Bill 2024 will force landlords to meet minimum energy efficiency standards for rentals, including:

• Appliances and dishwashers must be rated under the WELS scheme to demonstrate their water use
• Homes must be fitted with an efficient heater and cooler (that is fixed and in good working order)
• Roof insulation must comply with the minimum standards under the Federal building code
• Chimneys, windows, doors, exhaust fans, ceiling vents must be properly maintained to prevent draughts
• External windows must have fly screens
• Any new tenancy agreement would be required to comply with the standards
• Landlords would be required to disclose the energy efficiency of their home to potential tenants

But to pass these bills, we need your help.

Almost a third of South Australians are renters, and together we are powerful. We can pressure the Government to act.

With a huge number of signatures, we can show the government that SA renters are demanding action. We should be freezing rents, not homes this winter.