This page contains frequently asked questions about substandard properties,
what you need to know and how we can help
The Housing Safety Authority oversees the administration of the Housing Improvement Act 2016, which requires residential premises meet minimum housing standards within South Australia.
Anyone can notify the Housing Safety Authority about the standard of a residential property, however we may seek written permission from the occupant or owner of the property to confirm you are authorised to speak on their behalf.
You should receive a response within two business days.
We encourage you to read the Housing Safety Authority website before making a complaint about a substandard property.
Submitting an online notification form will inform us of your complaint.
If you are unable to access the online notification form, you may email us: housingsafety@sa.gov.au ✉ or phone us: 1300 700 329 ☏
The Housing Safety Authority will ask for your contact details, property details and to describe the defects. You may be asked to provide additional information, e.g., photographs of defects.
If you are renting the property, you will be asked to confirm you have contacted the owner or agent or given a written notice requesting repairs to be carried out.
- Detailed information room by room on what makes a property substandard, and
- Room by Room examples of substandard properties
The information provided will be assessed to see whether there are sufficient grounds to commence an investigation.
Additional information may be requested.
The landlord can only terminate or vary a tenancy agreement within the first six (6) months from a Housing Safety Authority (HSA) inspection, or if an Order is in place by applying to South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)
The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) is a state tribunal that helps South Australians resolve issues within specific areas of law, including disputes between landlords and tenants, either through agreement at a conference, conciliation, or mediation, or through a decision of the Tribunal at hearing. SACAT also conducts reviews of Government decisions.
Rent Right SA is a free and independent state-wide service available to low-income tenants in private rental, community housing or public housing. They provide:
- Education and information about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
- Support to substain or access a residential tenancy
- Advocacy and advice regarding tenancy issues and the housing options available
- Help navigating the housing system
Consumer and Business Services (CBS) provides advice and information to landlords and tenants on:
- Bond, rent and other charges
- Contracts and lease agreements
- Disruptive and noisy neighbours
- Your rights and responsibilities as a landlord or tenant
The Housing Safety Authority does not investigate the following matters:
- assistance with breaking lease
- compensation and applications for rent reduction
- maintenance concerns
- properties that are not defined as residential premises
- tenancy disputes between owner and occupant
- issues already repaired
The Substandard Property Register is a public register to alert potential occupants and buyers that the residential premises does not meet minimum housing standards.
The rent control amount is the maximum weekly rent that can be charged for the property. If no rent control amount is showing, the property is not currently subject to rent control.
The Housing Safety Authority will revoke an order or notice if the property meets the minimum housing standards and does not pose a health or safety risk. If you believe either of the following have occurred, you are encouraged to contact the Housing Safety Authority to discuss revocation of any orders or notices in place on the property. An inspection maybe needed to support evidence of compliance.
- all requirements of the order are complied with
- the property is demolished
- the property’s classification of use has been formally changed.