South Australia Rent Increase Rules

South Australia's rent increase laws were significantly tightened as part of the 2024 reforms. While there is no cap on the amount a landlord can increase rent, the frequency and process are now strictly controlled.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed solicitor in South Australia for advice specific to your situation. Information last verified: March 2026.

The Once-Per-12-Months Rule (From March 2024)

Since 1 March 2024, rent can only be increased once within any 12-month period. This applies regardless of whether the tenancy is fixed-term or periodic, and even if the landlord and tenant mutually agree to a more frequent increase—it is simply not permitted by law.

The 12-month clock starts from either:

• The date the tenancy agreement commenced, OR
• The date the last rent increase took effect.

No Rent Control, But "Excessive Increase" Challenge

South Australia does not have rent control—there is no statutory percentage limit on how much a landlord can raise the rent. However, a tenant has the right to challenge an increase they believe is excessive by applying to SACAT within 90 days of receiving the notice.

When assessing whether an increase is excessive, SACAT considers:

• The prevailing market rent for comparable properties in the area.
• The general condition and age of the premises.
• The amenities available.
• Whether the increase is disproportionate to the previous rent.

If SACAT agrees the increase is excessive, it can set a lower, fairer rent amount.

Notice Period: 60 Days

All rent increases require at least 60 days' written notice to the tenant. This applies to both periodic and fixed-term tenancies.

Fixed-Term Agreements

Rent can only be increased during a fixed-term agreement if the tenancy agreement specifically includes a condition that:

1. Allows for a rent increase during the term.
2. States precisely how the increase will be calculated (e.g., a fixed dollar amount, a percentage, or an increase based on the Consumer Price Index/CPI).

Even if such a clause exists, the 60-day written notice requirement still applies, and the increase cannot take effect until 12 months after the start of the tenancy or the most recent rent increase.

Periodic Tenancies

For a periodic (month-to-month or week-to-week) tenancy, the landlord can increase the rent at any time, provided:

1. At least 12 months have elapsed since the last increase (or the start of the tenancy).
2. At least 60 days' written notice is given.

Best Practices for SA Landlords

1. Track the 12-Month Anniversary: The most common compliance error is attempting to raise rent before the 12-month window has reopened. Use property management software to track this precisely.
2. Reference Comparable Market Rents: When drafting your 60-day notice, have evidence of comparable property rents in the area available. This will be your primary defense if the tenant challenges the increase at SACAT.
3. Put CPI Clauses in Writing: If you want automatic annual increases, ensure the fixed-term agreement clearly states how the CPI increase is calculated to avoid disputes.

How Landager Can Help

Landager automatically monitors the 12-month rule for all your South Australian properties. The system will alert you when the window for a rent increase reopens and will not allow you to process a new increase notice before the statutory date, ensuring you never accidentally breach the once-per-year provision.

Back to South Australia Landlord-Tenant Laws Overview.