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Housing, property and land

Problems with your landlord

On this page you will find out about:

Getting advice and information
Help to resolve problems
Problems with the property or maintenance
Disputing a bond claim
Complaints about public or community housing
Getting support or advocacy
The Residential Tenancies Tribunal
Getting legal advice or aid

Getting advice and information

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) gives advice and information on:

contracts and lease agreements
your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
bond, rent and other charges
options available to help you resolve a problem with a landlord.

For more information see Dispute resolution for landlords and tenants in private rental.

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Help to resolve problems

If you are having a problem with your landlord it is always recommended that you try to talk the problem over with them in a calm and courteous manner in the first instance. If this isn't successful there are services that can help you.

The Community Mediation Service offers a free and independent mediation service.

Free and independent advice for both landlords and tenants is available from CBS. They can act as a neutral third party offering advice that may help you reach a mutually acceptable solution.

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Problems with the property or maintenance

If you are having problems getting your landlord to complete maintenance or carry out repairs you can write a letter or complete a request for repairs (PDF 238KB) to give to your landlord. This is a formal written notice that the landlord must complete the necessary repairs or you will take the action as detailed on the form. You should always request maintenance in writing, even if you have already spoken to your landlord about the problem. For an alternative version of this document contact the CBS tenancies branch.

If the landlord still refuses to comply, you can make an application to the Residential Tenancies Tribunal (PDF 44KB). The Residential Tenancies Tribunal can make a legal order to the landlord to have these repairs carried out.

If the repairs required are for numerous and serious problems - eg no running water, and you believe that the rent should be reduced because of this the Housing Improvement Branch may be able to help.

For an alternative version of the documents in this section contact the CBS tenancies branch.

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Disputing a bond claim

If your landlord is claiming all or part of your bond and you disagree with that, you can put in a dispute see Disputing a private rental bond claim.

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Complaints about public or community housing

If you have problems or disagree with a decision made by Housing SA or a community housing organisation you can make a complaint or you may be able to appeal the decision see What if I have a problem with Housing SA or Options for resolving disputes with a community housing provider.

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Getting support or advocacy

The Tenants Information and Advocacy Service is a free and independent service available to anyone who is renting. They can provide:

information and advice on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant
support and negotiating with your landlord
advocacy at a Residential Tenancies Tribunal hearing or an appeal
financial counselling.

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The Residential Tenancies Tribunal

The Residential Tenancies Tribunal is an independent judicial body that has authority to make legally binding decisions in disputes between landlords and tenants.

For more information on how the Residential Tenancies Tribunal can help and how to make an application see About the Residential Tenancies Tribunal.

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