What is the Housing Safety Authority?

The Housing Safety Authority oversees the administration of the Housing Improvement Act 2016, which requires residential premises meet minimum housing standards within South Australia.

What does Housing Safety Authority do?

We investigate the condition of residential properties and enforce owners to improve the condition of their property to a standard that is safe and suitable for human habitation.

What does Housing Safety Authority not do?

We do not investigate the tenancy related and maintenance matters as well as:

• defects already repaired
• assistance with breaking lease
• compensation
• applications for rent reduction
• maintenance concerns
• reporting an unsightly property
• properties that are not defined as residential premises
• tenancy disputes

How do I know if the Housing Safety Authority is investigating my property?

Substandard properties, that are subject to order under the Housing Improvement Act 2016, are listed on the Substandard Property Register.

Who can report a substandard property?

Anyone can report a substandard property to the Housing Safety Authority. However, we may seek written permission from the occupant or owner of the property to confirm you are authorised to speak on their behalf.

How long will it take to receive a response?

You should receive a response within two business days.

How do I report a substandard property?

1. We encourage you to read the Housing Safety Authority website before making a report.
2. You can submit a report online through our website.
3. If you are unable to access the online form, you may -
   1. email us:  housingsafety@sa.gov.au ✉ or
   2. phone us:  1300 700 329 ☏

What will I be asked when reporting a substandard property?

1. You will be asked for your contact details, the owner / agent details, the property details and to describe the defects.
2. If you are renting the property, you will be asked to confirm you have reported your issues to your landlord or agent including giving a written notice requesting repairs to be carried out.
3. You are encouraged to upload up to five files of additional information e.g., photographs of defects to accompany your report.

Can I upload photographs and other documents?

1. Yes. The allowed file types are: .DOC, .DOCX, .XLS, .XLSX, .PPT, .PPTX, .PDF, .CSV, .TXT, .RTF, .BMP, .GIF, .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .TIF, .TIFF

Can I remain anonymous?

1. Yes. However, if we need further information from you, we may not be able to proceed any further with your report.

Will the owner or agent be told that I reported the property?

1. No. We do not disclose how we came to investigate the property condition to owners and property agents.

What happens once you receive my report?

1. The information provided will be assessed to see whether there are sufficient grounds to investigate.
2. We may also request additional information to support your report.

Can my landlord or agent evict me if I report the property?

1. The South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) may make orders in relation to retaliatory behaviour relating to the termination or proposed termination of a residential tenancy agreement. This includes declaring that the notice of termination has no effect or refuse to make an order to terminate.
2. For more information, visit RentRight SA or Consumer and Business Services.

What is the Substandard Property Register?

1. The Substandard Property Register is public register of all properties within South Australia that are subject to an order or notice under the Housing Improvement Act 2016. The register also lists the maximum chargeable rent amount if the property was subject to a rent control notice.

How often is the Substandard Property Register updated?

1. The register is updated weekly.

How can I remove my property from the Substandard Property Register?

1. Properties are removed from the Substandard Property Register if the delegate deems that they are:
   1. reasonably compliant with the minimum housing standards, or
   2. demolished, or
   3. their use changes from residential purposes. (Council approval may be required to confirm the change of use).
2. Owners and agents must comply with any order and notice issued to them and provide regular updates to the Housing Safety Authority.
3. A property inspection may be required before the decision to revoke orders and notices is made.
4. Owners and agents may request the delegate to review their case and supporting evidence to consider revoking the order and notice.

What is a rooming house?

1. Rooming houses are residential properties where two or more rooms are available for rent through separate lease agreements.
2. Rooming houses with 5 or more rooms for rent require registration with Consumer and Business Services.

Are their additional minimum housing standards for rooming houses?

1. Yes, view the Minimum housing standards section for more information.

What should I do if I become aware of a drug laboratory at my property?

1. You should report your findings to the South Australia Police.
2. Landlords should contact their local authority to discuss compliance of the South Australian Public Health Act 2011.

Can landlords terminate a tenancy agreement if they become aware of a drug laboratory at their property?

1. Yes, a landlord may terminate a tenancy agreement if they are aware the tenant has engaged in or allowed another person to engage in drug related conduct on the premises and testing for contamination indicates that the premises is contaminated because of that drug related conduct.

Where must a landlord arrange for the property to be tested?

1. If a landlord is aware that drug related conduct has occurred on the premises, they must ensure it is tested within one month of giving the tenant notice that the premises will be tested and if necessary remediated as soon as reasonably practicable.

How long does a landlord have to clean the property?

1. The property must be cleaned up before further occupancy.
2. The landlord must comply with notices issued by the local authority.
3. The landlord must comply with orders issued by the Housing Safety Authority.

There is an order on my rental property. How much notice should a landlord or agent give me to access and fix the issues?

1. If the property is rented under a residential tenancy agreement, the landlord must give least 48 hours’ notice, at a reasonable time to the tenant, to carry out the requirements of a housing assessment order or housing improvement order.
2. For more information, visit RentRight SA or Consumer and Business Services.

Can my landlord or agent terminate my residential tenancy agreement if there is an order on my rental property?

1. The landlord or agent cannot terminate your residential tenancy agreement within six months of the property being inspected by the Housing Safety Authority, or if an order (made under the Housing Improvement Act) is in place.
2. The landlord or agent must apply to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) if they seek to terminate your residential tenancy agreement.
3. For more information, visit RentRight SA or Consumer and Business Services.

Where can I find additional tenancy support?

1. RentRight SA's housing advice and advocacy service is a free, independent service, helping people sustain their tenancies in private rental, community housing, rooming houses or public housing.
2. Consumer and Business Services provides consumer advice in a range of situations, including renting privately.

Where can I receive advice about a tenancy dispute between with my landlord or agent?

1. RentRight SA's housing advice and advocacy service is a free, independent service, helping people sustain their tenancies in private rental, community housing, rooming houses or public housing.
2. Consumer and Business Services provides consumer advice in a range of situations, including renting privately.

Where can I find additional tenancy support?

1. RentRight SA's housing advice and advocacy service is a free, independent service, helping people sustain their tenancies in private rental, community housing, rooming houses or public housing.
2. Consumer and Business Services provides consumer advice in a range of situations, including renting privately.