September 2025 marks the next phase of South Australia’s rental reforms, part of a staged update to the Residential Tenancies Act. These changes are designed to modernise rental laws and set clearer rules for landlords, tenants, and property managers.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the reforms that came into effect from 1 September 2025, and what they mean for everyone involved in the rental process.
What are the rental reforms?
Rental reforms are the legislative updates that set out the rules for how residential tenancies in South Australia are managed. They cover everything from notice periods and termination grounds to application processes and prescribed forms (CBS SA – Rental Reforms Overview).
Key changes effective 1 September 2025
- Selling requirement included — Ending a tenancy is now permitted when a landlord has signed a sales agency agreement with a licensed real estate agent that requires vacant possession (CBS SA).
- Student accommodation nuance — In purpose-built student housing, if a tenant does not respond to a renewal offer within 30 days, the lease can be ended (CBS SA).
- Rooming house provision expansion — Grounds for termination in rooming houses have been broadened to include situations such as the owner requiring the premises for another purpose or major renovations. Notice periods for non-renewal have also been extended, bringing the framework closer to mainstream tenancy agreements (CBS SA).
- Form updates — Several prescribed tenancy forms have had minor wording adjustments to align with the updated legislation. These are administrative changes and do not alter the substance of tenancy conditions (CBS SA).
Changes still to come in the rental reforms
- Standard rental application (Form A1): From 1 January 2026, all landlords and property managers will be required to use a mandatory standard rental application form. This form will set consistent questions, restrict the type of personal information that can be requested, and create a more transparent application process across South Australia (CBS SA).
What the reforms mean for stakeholders
Tenants
Tenants need to be aware of the changes and understand their rights and responsibilities. They may also notice small updates in the tenancy paperwork they are asked to complete or sign.
Landlords
Landlords now have the ability to end a tenancy if they have formally committed to selling a property under a sales agency agreement requiring vacant possession. They should also be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the new reforms and prepare for the upcoming application form rollout in 2026.
Practical next steps
- Tenants: Stay informed about changes and your rights and responsibilities, and be mindful of small updates to tenancy paperwork.
- Landlords: Review sales agreements, ensure plans to end tenancies for sale purposes comply with new requirements, and stay informed about rights and responsibilities.
The rental reforms in South Australia represent an important step in updating how the rental market is regulated. For both landlords and tenants, being aware of these changes is essential to staying compliant and confident in the rental process. Reach out to our team if you have any questions on how these changes impact you.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Please seek professional guidance for your specific circumstances.