Broker-arranged
Landlord insurance in South Australia
South Australia capped bonds at four weeks, limited rent rises to once a year, opened the door to pets and now requires a reason to end a tenancy. Here is what an SA landlord policy covers, how the rules change your risk, and how a licensed broker arranges it.
- South Australia’s 2023–2024 rental reforms
- Building, rent, tenant damage and liability
- One short form, then a licensed broker takes it from there
What landlord insurance covers in South Australia
A landlord policy covers the building if you own it, your contents, loss of rent after an insured event, legal liability for injury at the property, and, as options, tenant damage and rent default. With bonds now capped at four weeks for most tenancies, the gap between a bond and a large damage or arrears claim is where the policy earns its keep.
SA rental rules that affect your cover
| Rule | What it means | Insurance angle |
|---|---|---|
| Bond cap | A maximum of four weeks’ rent for most new tenancies since 1 April 2023; six weeks still applies where rent is above $800 a week | Rent default and tenant damage cover matter more with a smaller bond |
| Rent increases | Rent can’t rise more than once in a 12-month period, and not by agreement within that period either | Set loss-of-rent sums to the rent you actually charge |
| Pets | Landlords can’t impose blanket pet bans and can refuse only on grounds in the Act; tenants remain liable for pet damage | Check whether pet damage is covered |
| Ending a tenancy | From 1 July 2024 landlords need a prescribed reason to end a periodic tenancy or not renew, and the non-renewal notice is 60 days | Loss of rent during a dispute is usually not insured |
| Inspections | Routine inspections are capped at four a year | Fewer inspections means problems can go unnoticed longer |
Minor technical amendments commenced on 15 January 2026, including confirming that advance agreements for incremental rises within a year aren’t allowed.
What’s usually covered, and what isn’t
Usually covered
- The building if you own it, against fire, storm and other insured events.
- Loss of rent after an insured event.
- Tenant damage, malicious and often accidental, as an option.
- Liability for a tenant or visitor injured at the property.
Usually not covered
- Wear and tear and gradual deterioration.
- Rent default, unless you add it.
- The tenant’s belongings.
- Rent lost during a tribunal dispute, in most policies.
How to get SA landlord cover through us
Landlord insurance in South Australia: questions
How much bond can I take in South Australia?
A maximum of four weeks’ rent for most new tenancies since 1 April 2023. Where the rent is above $800 a week, up to six weeks still applies.
Can I refuse pets in my SA rental?
Only on a ground listed in the Residential Tenancies Act. Blanket bans aren’t allowed, but you can set reasonable conditions and the tenant is liable for damage.
Does landlord insurance cover rent default in SA?
As an option. With bonds capped at four weeks, many SA landlords add it.
Can I end a periodic tenancy without a reason?
Not since 1 July 2024. Landlords need a prescribed reason, and the notice for not renewing a fixed term is 60 days.
Why is landlord insurance arranged by a broker?
Insurers rate each property and tenancy, so a licensed broker arranges quotes rather than an online form.
Keep reading
More by state
Sources
South Australia