South Australia Pet Bond for Rental Properties

Can SA Landlords Charge a Pet Bond?

No. South Australia does not allow landlords to charge a separate pet bond or pet deposit on top of the standard security bond. This puts SA in the same camp as Victoria and the ACT, and in contrast to NSW and Western Australia, which permit a capped pet bond.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, the maximum security bond is four weeks' rent if the weekly rent is $800 or less, or six weeks' rent if it is more than $800. Furnishing does not set the threshold. There's no provision to add a pet surcharge on top of that.

The full bond amount must be lodged with the Commissioner for Consumer Affairs via Residential Bonds Online. Charging more than the statutory maximum or holding a side payment for pet damage is unlawful.

Can You Refuse Pets?

Tenants must get the landlord's prior approval to keep a pet, except for an exempt animal. A landlord cannot impose a blanket "no pets" rule unless pets are specifically prohibited by applicable strata, community title, rooming house or residential park rules.

Under sections 66C–66G of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995, a landlord must respond in writing within 14 days. Consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, but reasonable conditions may be imposed. If the landlord does not respond in time, approval is presumed. A tenant may apply to SACAT if they believe a refusal or condition is unreasonable.

Dealing with Pet Damage

Since you can't charge a pet bond, how do you recover costs for pet damage?

The standard bond. Any damage beyond fair wear and tear — carpet staining from urine, scratched timber floors, damaged door frames — can be claimed against the standard security bond at the end of the tenancy. Document the property's condition at the start of the tenancy using the CBS property inspection sheet, with dated photographs.

SACAT claim. If the damage exceeds the bond amount, you can apply to SACAT for a compensation order. The standard filing fee is $93. You'll need evidence: the inspection sheet showing pre-tenancy condition, photographs of the damage, and quotes or invoices for repair work.

Landlord insurance. Most landlord insurance policies cover accidental and malicious damage, and some cover pet damage specifically. Check your policy — some exclude pet damage unless you've declared that pets are permitted on the lease.

Practical Approach for Landlords

If you're considering allowing pets in an SA rental:

1. Record the approved pet details and any reasonable conditions in writing
2. Take detailed photographs and complete the CBS property inspection sheet thoroughly at the start of the tenancy
3. Conduct routine inspections (maximum 4 per year under Section 72, with 7–28 days' written notice) and document the property's condition each time
4. Check your landlord insurance policy covers pet damage, and declare the pet arrangement to your insurer
5. Consider whether hard flooring and easy-clean surfaces reduce your risk more effectively than a blanket ban

Pet-friendly rentals in tight markets attract longer tenancies and a wider applicant pool. The trade-off is accepting some additional maintenance risk that you manage through documentation and insurance rather than a separate bond.

The SA Rental Minimum Standards Guide covers the full bond administration process, inspection requirements and maintenance obligations, including how to document property condition in a way that holds up at SACAT if you need to make a damage claim.

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