Help for Discrimination in Renting in South Australia

If you're experiencing discrimination in renting as a tenant in South Australia, it can be both stressful and confusing to know where to turn. Discrimination can occur in various forms, whether through unfair treatment based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. Fortunately, there are resources and legal protections in place to help you address these issues and protect your rights as a renter.

Understanding Renter Discrimination in South Australia

Renter discrimination is illegal under both state and federal laws. The Fair Trading Act 1987 (Cth) and the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 in South Australia protect tenants from unfair treatment and ensure equal housing access for everyone. Discrimination might occur through refusal to rent, higher rent prices, or different lease terms based on personal characteristics.

Where to Seek Help

• Contact the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) for advice and to resolve disputes.
• Reach out to the Equal Opportunity Commission South Australia for guidance on filing a discrimination complaint.
• Consult community legal centers such as the Community Legal Centres SA for free legal advice and assistance.

Filing a Discrimination Complaint

If you believe you have been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission South Australia. To start this process, you may need to complete a form detailing the discrimination event and provide any supporting evidence.

Tip: Always keep records of any communications and incidents related to the discrimination, as this can support your case.

Using Available Forms

To formally address a discrimination issue, you may need specific forms:

• Notice to Remedy Breach: Use when your rights under the tenancy agreement have been violated. For details, visit the SA Government Forms page.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT): Provides mediation and decision-making services for disputes between tenants and landlords. Visit the SACAT website for more information.
• Equal Opportunity Commission South Australia: Handles complaints about discrimination and promotes equal opportunity. More details can be found on the Equal Opportunity Commission's website.
• Community Legal Centres SA: Offers free legal advice and support to tenants facing discrimination. Find your local center for assistance.

---

1. What should I do if I experience discrimination from my landlord? Record any incidents and communications. You can then contact the Equal Opportunity Commission South Australia for guidance on filing a complaint.
2. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me because of my disability? No, refusing to rent due to a protected characteristic like disability is considered discrimination and is illegal.
3. How does the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal help with discrimination issues? SACAT can mediate disputes and make decisions to resolve issues between tenants and landlords.

Categories

General Tenant Rights & Protections Tenancy Agreements & Renewals Rent, Bond & Holding Deposits Moving In & Condition Reports Ending a Tenancy & Moving Out Repairs, Maintenance & Urgent Issues Minimum Standards & Habitability Evictions & Breach Notices Co-Tenancies, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Equal Housing Access Disability Access & Reasonable Adjustments Utilities, Water & Internet Billing Public, Community & Social Housing Rent Increases & Rent Controls Privacy & Landlord Entry Rules Locks, Keys & Security Obligations Resolving Disputes & Tribunal Processes Harassment, Threats & Landlord Misconduct Boarding Houses, Rooming Houses & Lodgers Caravan Parks & Residential Parks Bond Refunds & Claims Notice Periods & Tenancy Termination Entry Condition Breaches & Compensation Tenant Advocacy & Legal Aid