29 November 2023
Historic reforms to SA’s rental laws negotiated between the Government and the Greens passed the Upper House last night and will become law.
The changes to the Residential Tenancies Act include, amongst other things, ending no cause evictions, making it easier to rent with pets, and requiring landlords to provide tenants with 60 days’ notice to vacate a property if their lease is not renewed. The Greens also secured funding for a new independent advocacy service for renters in South Australia.
“These reforms are a real breakthrough for renters’ rights in SA and this will be welcome relief for many during this housing crisis” said Greens Housing Spokesperson Robert Simms MLC.
“The Greens have been fighting to reform our rental system for years. Banning no-cause evictions, making it easier to rent with pets, and enhancing protections for renters have been key priorities for the Greens and community groups including SACOSS, the Anti-Poverty Network and Uniting Communities. I thank the Government for working collaboratively with us to deliver these urgently needed protections for renters.”
“The Government’s commitment, as a result of the agreement with the Greens, to provide funding for an independent advocacy service will be welcome news for renters who have often struggled without advocacy support, particularly at a tribunal level.”
“The Greens will continue to advocate for further action to curb soaring rent prices and increasing the supply of public and social housing.”
In the new year the Greens plan to introduce a Private Member’s Bill to freeze rent increases in line with CPI.