New residential tenancies support measures now in effect

Written on the 9 April 2020 by SAFCA

Rental advice due to COVID-19

Recognising the impact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had on a number of South Australians, State Parliament has endorsed a number of initiatives aimed at helping landlords and tenants whose incomes have been affected.

These initiatives can be expected to be in place for the duration of the declared emergency period as a result of COVID-19 to provide some assurance to those in the private rental sector.

The new measures aim to:

• institute a short-term moratorium on eviction for non-payment of rent due to severe rental distress as a result of COVID-19
• prevent landlords from increasing rent
• allow landlords to use technology such as face-time, live video or time-stamped photos for routine inspections where possible, unless there are exceptional circumstances and sufficient safety measures in place for an inspection in person
• extend the tenant's ability to arrange to have repairs carried out by agreement with the landlord
• provide a general protection for tenants who breach their agreement as a result of complying with a direction under law relating to COVID-19.

SACAT will continue to be able to consider undue hardship to tenants or landlords.

Where tenants have been impacted by COVID-19 but still have the capacity to pay their rent, they should continue doing so.

Where alternative arrangements are needed as a result of COVID-19, tenants and landlords are encouraged to work together on an agreement and where an agreement cannot be reached the matter may need to go before the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

If you still have questions of concerns, you can contact Consumer and Business Services by: Calling 131 882. Asking Claire (our 24/7 virtual assistant for residential tenancies) Completing one of our enquiry forms

For more information, visit https://www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rental-advice-due-covid-19