All rent increase rules
SASouth Australia

Rent Increase Rules SA

South Australia requires 60 days of written notice and limits increases to once every 12 months, with no increase permitted in the first year of the tenancy. The rules come from sections 55 and 56 of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA).

This page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenancy legislation changes regularly - confirm the current requirements with Consumer and Business Services (CBS) before serving a notice.

SA rent increase rules at a glance

Every figure below comes from the same verified rule set propkt applies when generating notices.

RuleSouth Australia
Minimum notice period60 days written notice before the increase takes effect.
Minimum time between increasesOnce every 12 months.
What the 12-month clock runs fromThe date the last increase took effect (or the tenancy start date if there has been no increase yet).
First increaseNo increase within the first 12 months of the tenancy.
Fixed-term agreementsOnly if the agreement includes a clause allowing rent increases.
Prescribed formNo mandatory prescribed form - a written notice meeting the section 55 content requirements is what counts.
Tenant challengeApplication to SACAT within 90 days of the notice.
Serving the noticeBy post allow an extra 7 business days for delivery; by email 1 business day (email requires the tenant's consent). In person takes effect immediately.
RegulatorConsumer and Business Services (CBS).

Verified against the sources below, August 2026.

Worked example

An Adelaide landlord wants the new rent to start on 1 December on a periodic agreement.

Increase takes effect1 December
Latest service date (60 days)2 October
If serving by post (allow 7 business days)23 September

Frequently asked questions

How much notice must a SA landlord give?

60 days in writing, setting out the amount of the increase and the day it takes effect.

How soon can rent be increased again in SA?

Any later increase cannot take effect within 12 months of the previous increase, and rent cannot be increased during the first 12 months of the tenancy.

Can rent be increased during a fixed term in South Australia?

Not unless the agreement specifically allows for an increase. Section 55(2)(b) makes the clause a precondition.

Can a tenant challenge a rent increase in SA?

Yes. A tenant may apply to SACAT within 90 days of receiving the notice, and SACAT can cap the rent if the increase is excessive.

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