Tenant Rights & Responsibilities

You have some legal rights and responsibilities as a tenant in any private rental property in this state (not just in an AnglicareSA home). If you have any questions or would like more information, you can make an appointment with the Residential Tenancies Branch of Consumer and Business Services:

91-97 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
Phone 131 882 or visit their
website: http://www.cbs.sa.gov.au
Their advice and assistance is free.

The Tenancy Agreement

The tenancy agreement is a rental contract/lease. They are normally for three (3), six (6) or twelve (12) month periods. The agreement should specify the rent and bond amounts, how often and how the rent is to be paid, how frequently property inspections occur and any special conditions such as no pets and no smoking. The tenancy agreement is a legal document that you should read and understand.

Landlord’s Responsibilities

A landlord is the person you are renting from. Landlords, property owners and real estate agents must comply with the South Australian Residential Tenancies Act.

The landlord is responsible for:

• handing over the premises in a reasonable state of cleanliness
• maintaining the premises in a reasonable state of repair
• giving proper receipts for rent and other monies paid by you
• provide locks to ensure the property is safe and secure
• respecting your privacy

Your Responsibilities

As a tenant, you are also required to comply with certain rules, including:

• paying the rent on time
• keeping the premises clean
• maintaining the gardens
• telling the landlord about any damage that has occurred or repairs that are needed
• not using the premises for anything illegal
• not causing any interference to the peace or privacy of neighbours
• not making any alterations to the premises without the permission of the landlord

Your Rights

As an AnglicareSA service user, you have the right to:

• be treated with respect
• know that you can complain and be heard
• receive services without discrimination
• tell staff how you feel
• receive information and options
• make your own decisions
• have your privacy respected
• decide which of our services you want to use, and how you want us to assist you
• read your file

Ending the Tenancy Agreement

The period of notice that you must give to the landlord before you move out varies depending on the type of agreement that you have signed. If you or the landlord breaks any of the terms of the tenancy agreement, the agreement can be terminated. This means that if for example, you do not pay your rent on time, the landlord can give you notice that you must leave the property by a certain time. On the other hand, if your landlord fails to respect your privacy or does not maintain the premises, you can do the same.