28 May 2025
Renters in South Australia are being urged to make submissions to a parliamentary inquiry into the Greens Bill to set minimum standards for rental properties.
Robert Simms MLC will chair the Inquiry into his Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Amendment Bill with submissions open now:
“Winter is coming, but too many renters are being left out in the cold without minimum standards. My bill for minimum rental standards will protect renters and cut the cost of living.
“Our inquiry wants to hear from stakeholders across the state about their views on the bill.
“We know rents have soared in the cost of living crisis, but basic standards for housing have not kept up. Renting in SA is cold and costly.
“Too many people are living in cold, drafty houses with poor insulation, while energy bills and rents soar. Without basic standards people are being forced to use expensive, inefficient heaters with soaring energy bills.
“We have to do better and bring our minimum standards up to date with community expectations. Our Inquiry wants to hear the real stories of renters in SA who are currently without a basic safety net.”
In 2022 a report from Better Renting showed that 79% of the time renters’ homes are below the WHO recommended minimum health standard of 18˚C in South Australia. Minimum energy standards for rentals are supported by Uniting Communities, the South Australian Council of Social Services and Better Renting.
The Greens Residential Tenancies (Minimum Standards) Tenancy Bill would set following standards on rental properties:
- Appliances and dishwashers must be rated under the WELS scheme to demonstrate their water use (https://www.waterrating.gov.au/)
- 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 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 – a penalty applies of up to $20,000 for landlords that don’t disclose or mislead
- SACAT will be given new powers to impose penalties on landlords who don’t comply with the standards.
Inquiry submissions can be sent to [email protected]