What you need to know

Before you report a substandard property to the Housing Safety Authority, it is important to understand what type of issue makes a property substandard.

Minimum housing standards are standards that must be met for residential premises to be considered safe and suitable for human habitation.

Any fixtures, fittings or other facilities provided must not present a health or safety hazard. The fixtures, fittings and facilities must be properly installed, fit for purpose for which they were intended or ordinarily used, and in good working order.

Find out more about:

1. Minimum housing standards and what makes a property substandard, and
2. Examples of what makes a room substandard
   1. Whole Property
   2. External doors, windows and lighting
   3. Kitchen
   4. Living and Dining
   5. Bedroom
   6. Bathroom
   7. Laundry

Note:  The Housing Safety Authority does not investigate the following matters:

• Issues already repaired
• Short-term accommodation e.g. Bed & Breakfast/Hotels
• Assistance in breaking lease
• Compensation
• Application for rent reduction
• Maintenance concerns
• Properties that are not defined as residential premises
• Tenancy disputes between owner/agent and occupant

For any of the items outlined above, please contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882 ☏ or visit www.cbs.sa.gov.au/

For detailed information on what 'we don't do' and who to contact for support, refer to our What we don't do webpage

Completing the online form

When completing the online form you will be asked several questions on what steps can be taken before reporting a substandard property.  Please provide as much accurate information as possible to assist us in assessing your notification. Some questions are mandatory.

If you are acting on behalf a third party e.g. the Tenant, you will need a signed 'Authorisation for third party to act on behalf'.

• Download the Authorisation for third party to act on behalf (PDF, 118.3 KB) and obtain approval (signature).  When complete,
  • You will be given an opportunity to upload the signed document when filling out the online form, or alternatively,
  • You can email us the signed form at housingsafety@sa.gov.au ✉
  • We will also accept a copy of an email or letter authorising you to act on their behalf.

If you have any current photos and/ or any documentary evidence, you will be able to upload these. There is a maximum number of 5 files you can upload. They can be a combination of images and/or documents in total 5.

To make a report, please select below 'Report a Substandard Property'