My landlord won't fix it in SA. What can I do?

Yes. The landlord must keep it in repair, and you can arrange urgent repairs they fail to fix.

Your clock

• As soon as possible: Tell landlord
• No set days, reasonable diligence: Time to fix
• Apply to SACAT: If they will not pay

The rule in SA

• The home must be kept in a reasonable state of repair.
• The landlord is in breach only once they know and fail to act with reasonable diligence.
• If it is not your fault, could cause injury, damage or undue inconvenience, and they fail after you told them or you could not reach them, you can use a licensed person and claim the cost. That person must give the landlord a report on the work and the cause.
• SACAT can order compensation.

We found no right to hold back rent. Rent unpaid for 14 days can bring a breach notice.

What to send

I told you on [date] that [problem] needs urgent repair. If not fixed, I may use a licensed tradesperson and ask you to pay.

Who to call

• Consumer and Business Services (CBS), 131 882
• South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT), 1800 723 767
• Legal Services Commission SA, Legal Helpline, 1300 366 424

Where this comes from

• Law Handbook, Repairs (revised 25 Jul 2024)
• Law Handbook, Where there is a breach by the tenant

General information, not legal advice on your situation.