South Australia’s property professionals are now preparing for one of the most significant regulatory shifts in over a decade with the introduction of the 2025 Regulations. From 1 September 2025, the reforms will take effect, introducing more straightforward rules and increased transparency across the sector.
The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2025 have officially replaced the long-standing 2010 framework, providing an opportunity to address some of the shortfalls in the previous legislation.
Among the most notable updates are new grounds for termination. In a significant shift, Landlords will now be able to terminate a fixed-term or periodic tenancy if they have signed a sales agency agreement with a registered real estate agent.
Another major reform is the introduction of the updated Rental Application Form (Form A1). This form will become mandatory as of 1 January 2026. However, it is available from 1 September 2025. It has been designed to support the National Cabinet’s ‘A Better Deal for Renters’ initiative, standardising application processes and ensuring greater fairness.
The Tenant Information Guide and Evidence Requirements for Termination have also been revised to align with the new regulatory framework.
For further details, please see www.cbs.sa.gov.au/rentalreforms
New Land and Business Regulations reshape the sales landscape
At the heart of these changes is a revamped vendor statement (Form 1). Mandating clearer, more structured disclosures and streamlining the due diligence process for all parties. Fundamentally, any repealed Acts have been removed, whilst new Acts such as the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 have now been integrated into the Form 1 document.
New rules are also mandated regarding the disclosure of any financial or non-financial benefits received, introducing valuation requirements in specific contexts, and restricting dual representation by conveyancers where conflicts of interest arise. Finally, the digitalisation of service and record-keeping has been formalised, with email and fax now recognised as a means of signing documents. This is an addition to the Electronic Communications Act 2000 that already provides a legal framework that recognises and validates electronic communications and transactions with serving the majority of the industry’s documentation.
Summarising the new Land Agents Regulations 2025 in South Australia
As of 1 July 2025, South Australia’s real estate industry is operating under a new regulatory framework with the commencement of the Land Agents Regulations 2025. These reforms usher in a more structured, accountable, and transparent compliance environment for agents, property managers, and business owners.
Operational oversight has been tightened, with every place of business now subject to specific criteria for proper management and supervision.
Trust account management now requires agents to use electronic systems.
Audit requirements have also been expanded to include special audits triggered by business cessation or partnership arrangements; only independent, qualified auditors are permitted to conduct these reviews.
Finally, although digital drivers licenses have been around for some time, all real estate registrations and licences are also now digital and can be accessed on a smartphone or tablet through the mySAGOV app.
New Retail and Commercial Leases Regulations 2025 – Commercial Leases Threshold Lifted
From 1 July, the Retail and Commercial Leases Regulations in South Australia were updated, with an increase to the prescribed rent threshold from $400,000 to $420,000 per annum (excluding GST). This change expands the scope of leases covered under the Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995, providing statutory protections to more tenants and imposing additional obligations on more landlords. These changes will apply to both new and existing leases.
Additionally, Regulation 3A permits future adjustments to the threshold through regulation, rather than the previous mechanism employed by the Valuer General.
The 2010 regulations have been repealed, with transitional provisions in place to support industry adaptation. Professionals are encouraged to review the full text of the regulation and update their internal processes accordingly.
Visit the latest version at: www.legislation.sa.gov.au
About your trainer: Andrew Shields
With over 20 years as a real estate agent and over 10 years of experience as a qualified trainer, Andrew has supported numerous aspiring agents and property managers launch their careers through the subsidised traineeship program.
Andrew has a comprehensive knowledge of the traineeship program and is available to support anyone seeking information. He can provide guidance on the eligibility requirements, program structure, course suitability and effective study strategies.
