Landlords will not be allowed to evict tenants without approved reason under new rental reforms

Landlords will need an approved reason to boot tenants out of rental properties under new laws hoped to make life easier for South Australian renters.

Landlords will not be allowed to evict their tenants without an approved reason under new rental reforms proposed by the state government.

Under the changes, landlords would need a prescribed a reason to end a periodic tenancy or to not renew a fixed-term lease – with excuses to include breaches by the tenant or wanting to sell, renovate or move into the property.

The government would also increase the minimum notice period to end a tenancy from 28 days to 60 days to allow tenants more to find another home and arrange to move.

The changes are the latest in a series of reforms put forward by the government, including banning rent bidding and allowing pets in rental properties.

Recent Shelter SA data showed nearly 40 per cent of tenancies were terminated by the landlord, with “end of a fixed lease” the most common reason provided.

However, 50 per cent of tenancies were ended without any stated reason. Under current law, tenants who find themselves in that situation have no right to contest the termination.

The changes reflect the submissions received in response to the government’s review of the Residential Tenancies Act, released on Sunday, which found 68 per cent of the 5565 survey respondents supported moves to end “no cause” evictions.

An engagement process will soon begin on the reforms before a bill is introduced to parliament later this year.

Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said the reforms would make a real difference for tenants amid a record low vacancy rate of less than one per cent.

Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels said the reforms would make a real difference for tenants. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Brenton Edwards

“Housing insecurity is a real concern for many South Australian tenants who fear becoming homeless if their lease is terminated,” she said.

“Our reforms are seeking to address this and provide tenants with additional security in their rental home while still enabling landlords the opportunity to end a tenancy for valid reasons such as breaches by the tenant or wanting to sell, renovate or move into their property.

“It’s a balancing act and as our consultation shows, the majority of respondents believe as the current legislation stands, we haven’t quite got it right at the moment and our reforms will address that.”