South Australian Current Acts

RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES ACT 1995 - SECT 81

81—Termination because possession is required by landlord for certain purposes

        (1)         A landlord may, by notice of termination given to the tenant, terminate a periodic residential tenancy on the ground that—

            (a)         the landlord requires possession of the premises for demolition; or

            (b)         the landlord requires possession of the premises for repairs or renovations that cannot be carried out conveniently while the tenant remains in possession of the premises; or

            (c)         the landlord requires possession of the premises for—

                  (i)         the landlord's own occupation; or

                  (ii)         occupation by the landlord's spouse, child or parent; or

                  (iii)         occupation by the spouse of the landlord's child or parent; or

            (d)         the landlord has entered into a contract for the sale of the premises under which the landlord is required to give vacant possession of the premises; or

            (e)         the landlord requires possession of the premises for a purpose prescribed by regulation.

        (2)         The period of notice given under subsection (1) must be at least 60 days or a period equivalent to a single period of the tenancy (whichever is the longer).

        (2a)         A tenant to whom a notice is given under subsection (1)—

            (a)         may give up possession of the premises prior to the end of the period of notice specified in subsection (2); and

            (b)         will not be liable to pay rent after either of the following days:

                  (i)         if the tenant gives the landlord at least 7 days written notice of the tenant's intention to give up possession of the premises—the day on which possession is given up;

                  (ii)         if the tenant gives the landlord less than 7 days written notice of the tenant's intention to give up possession of the premises—the 7th day after notice is given to the landlord.

        (3)         A person must not falsely state the ground of termination in a notice of termination given, or purportedly given, under this section.

Maximum penalty: $50 000.

Expiation fee: $2 000.

        (4)         A landlord who recovers possession of premises under this section must not, without the consent of the Tribunal, grant a fresh tenancy over the premises within six months after recovering possession.

Maximum penalty: $35 000.

Expiation fee: $2 000.