Reforms to South Australia’s residential tenancy laws have passed the parliament today.

They will improve security for tenants facing record low vacancy rates, while still ensuring the rights of landlords are protected.

The bill to amend the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 will, amongst other things:

• introduce prescribed grounds to terminate or not renew a tenancy
• extend the notice period to end a tenancy from 28 days to 60 days
• allow tenants to have pets in rental homes with reasonable conditions
• protect tenants’ information
• ensure rental properties comply with minimum housing standards
• provide additional support for victims of domestic violence.

Under the reforms, landlords will only be able to end a periodic tenancy or to not renew a fixed term lease for a prescribed reason including breaches by the tenant, wanting to sell, renovate or occupy the property.

The minimum notice to end a tenancy will also be increased from 28 days to 60 days, so tenants will have more time to secure a new home and make the necessary arrangements to move.

Tenants will be allowed to keep pets in rental properties in South Australia with reasonable conditions to be set by their landlord such as keeping the animal outside or having the carpets cleaned at the end of the tenancy.

This suite of reforms follows previous changes introduced in April, including banning rent bidding and raising the bond threshold.

More details about the changes can be read at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rentreforms.