Navigating Rooming and Boarding Houses in South Australia

Living in a rooming or boarding house in South Australia comes with specific rights and obligations. Understanding these can help safeguard your rental experience, ensuring that your tenancy runs smoothly. This guide explains the steps to take when dealing with common issues like rent increases, evictions, and repairs.

Understanding Rooming and Boarding Houses

Rooming houses offer accommodation where tenants rent rooms and may share facilities like kitchens or bathrooms with others. Understanding your rights is vital, especially if you encounter problems during your tenancy. Let’s break down some common scenarios you might face.

Managing Rent Increases

In a rooming house, rent increases must be fair and follow the rules set out in the Residential Tenancies Act 1995. You should receive written notice at least 60 days before the increase.

• Actionable Step: If you receive a rent increase notice, verify that it meets the legal requirements. If unsure, seek advice from a rental advocacy service.

Dealing with Evictions

Evictions in South Australia must comply with specific procedures detailed in the Residential Tenancies Act 1995. If you receive an eviction notice, it is important to check its validity and act promptly.

• Actionable Step: Upon receiving an eviction notice, contact the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) for guidance on your next steps.

Requesting Repairs

All rented properties, including rooming houses, should be maintained in good repair. If repairs are necessary, inform your landlord promptly. Use the Form R2: Notice to Remedy Breach to formally request repairs, which is available on the South Australian government website.

• Example: If a shared bathroom facility is leaking, notify your landlord using Form R2 immediately to ensure it is fixed in a timely manner.

Tip: Document all communications with your landlord and keep copies of any submitted forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) - For dispute resolution and more information on tenancy disputes.
• Renting and Letting - Information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
• Consumer and Business Services SA - Offers guidance on tenant issues and housing information.

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1. What should I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs? Contact your landlord in writing with a formal request. If unresolved, seek assistance from SACAT to enforce your rights.
2. How much notice is needed for a rent increase? South Australian law mandates at least 60 days' notice before any rent increase can take effect.
3. Can I be evicted without notice? No, eviction without notice contravenes the Residential Tenancies Act 1995. Proper procedures must be followed, including providing adequate notice.

1. How to address a rent increase in South Australia
   1. Step 1: Review the notice - Ensure that the rent increase notice complies with legal requirements, including the 60-day notice period.
   2. Step 2: Respond in writing - If you disagree with the increase, contact your landlord to negotiate or dispute it.
2. How to respond to an eviction notice
   1. Step 1: Check the notice validity - Ensure the notice meets legal standards under the Residential Tenancies Act 1995.
   2. Step 2: Seek assistance - Reach out to SACAT if the eviction notice seems unfair or unlawful.

Key Takeaways

• Understand your rights regarding rent and eviction under South Australian law.
• Use official forms like Form R2 to communicate issues effectively with your landlord.
• Contact SACAT for dispute resolution and further assistance if needed.

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• Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA)
• South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)

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