Why SA updated its standards
South Australia's rental minimum standards were last comprehensively reviewed in the 1990s. A Parliamentary inquiry into rental affordability in 2022 found that a significant portion of the state's rental stock — particularly older private rental properties — fell short of basic habitability expectations. The 2024 amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) introduce for the first time a codified list of minimum standards that must be met before a property can be let.
What the new standards require
From 1 March 2025, all residential rental properties in South Australia must:
- •Be structurally sound — no significant structural defects affecting habitability
- •Have weatherproof walls, roof, and windows in good repair
- •Have functional plumbing and sewerage connected to an approved system
- •Have a functional hot water system
- •Have all external doors and windows capable of being secured
- •Be free from a significant pest or vermin infestation at the start of the tenancy
- •Have working smoke alarms installed in accordance with the Building Code
- •Have a functional cooktop with at least two operational burners
What the standards do not yet cover
SA's 2025 minimum standards are more limited than Victoria's. They do not yet require insulation, heating in the main living area, or draught sealing — matters that advocates have raised as important for habitability during cold winters in SA. These may be addressed in a subsequent review anticipated for 2026.
Who is responsible for compliance?
The landlord is responsible for ensuring the property meets minimum standards before the start of any new tenancy from 1 March 2025. Existing tenancies are not automatically exempted — if a property falls below minimum standards during a tenancy, the landlord must bring it back into compliance on request. Landlords who rent non-compliant properties face civil penalties of up to $5,000 per breach.
What tenants can do
If your rental property does not meet SA's minimum standards, take these steps:
- •Write to your landlord or agent identifying the specific deficiency and requesting compliance
- •Contact Consumer and Business Services SA for advice and to lodge a formal complaint
- •Apply to SACAT for a compliance order requiring the landlord to meet the standards
- •If the property is so non-compliant as to be uninhabitable, apply for a rent reduction order
This article provides general information about Australian tenancy law and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently — always verify the current rules with the relevant state tenancy authority or a qualified legal professional.