Your bond rights in South Australia
The bond can't be more than 4 weeks' rent if rent is $800 a week or less, or 6 weeks if it's more.
Your rights in plain English
- You must get a receipt within 48 hours. The bond must be lodged with Consumer and Business Services within 2 weeks (4 weeks for registered agents).
- At the end, claim through Residential Bonds Online. If the other party doesn't respond within 14 days, you're paid what you claimed.
- You're not responsible for fair wear and tear, and the landlord needs evidence for any claim.
- Disputes that can't be agreed go to SACAT.
Put it in writing, with your rights spelled out
Our free email tool writes the message to your agent for South Australia, quoting your rights. Keep dated photos and a record you can use at the end of your lease.
The email tool is free. The $29 Tenancy Pass adds your condition report and dated record for the whole lease, incl. GST, with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
What your email should say
- Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA), I am not responsible for fair wear and tear, and any claim against my bond must be supported by evidence.
- I do not agree to any deduction that is not itemised and supported by evidence. If we cannot agree, the matter will go to SACAT.
Where to get help
Consumer and Business Services (131 882) · SACAT · RentRight SA.
Source: Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA). General information only, not legal advice. Last checked October 2026. Check your state's tenancy authority for your situation.