Lease Agreements in SA
A guide to Lease Agreements in the state of South Australia.
Here’s what you need to know about setting up a Lease Agreement in South Australia (SA)
Lease agreements in South Australia are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1995. This Act sets out the rights and obligations of property owners and tenants who enter into rental agreements in South Australia.
Every tenancy agreement, whether it is verbal or written, creates a legally binding contract between two parties – the landlord and tenant. It is important to have a complete understanding of this law so both the landlord and tenant can ensure their respective rights are protected.
The Residential Tenancies Act states that both parties must sign all tenancy agreements in writing. The tenant must be given a copy of the agreement when it is signed, or within 21 days after it has been signed.
Landlords must also keep a copy of the agreement, along with any amendments made to it, for at least two years after the tenancy ends - this can be done either electronically or in paper form.
Lease Conditions
You can include extra conditions on a lease agreement as long as they comply with tenancy laws. This includes changes such as increasing the rent, adding new tenants or changing the use of the property. You must give a copy of the changed agreement to the tenant and keep one for their records.
However, there are details you can’t change on an existing lease agreement unless the:
- The tenant agrees to the new conditions
- Changes are written clearly on the original lease agreement
- Changes are signed by both the tenant and landlord
Why do I need a Lease Agreement?
You need a written lease agreement to avoid potential disputes that could arise between you and your tenant. Without such an agreement, there is no clear understanding of who is responsible for what regarding repairs, rent payments, pet rules and other important issues.
A written lease helps ensure that both parties are on the same page and have a legal document to refer to if any conflicts arise.
Click here to find out more about Lease Agreements in SA.
Need a helping hand?
RentBetter allows you to set up Lease Agreements in a way that is both fast and efficient. Though the platform, you can quickly create legally binding leases for your tenants without the time-consuming paperwork and traditional methods.
You simply enter your tenant's details and information about the lease terms and click “Send” to send a. copy directly to your tenant.
If you’ve signed up for a Match, Manage & Maintain or Manage & Maintain account, both you and your tenant can also digitally sign your lease based on the recommended standard lease agreement in your state or territory.
