How much notice do I need to give to move out in South Australia?
You must give at least 21 days' written notice to move out of a periodic (rolling) lease in South Australia. For a fixed-term lease, you must give at least 28 days' written notice before the end date to prevent it from automatically converting into a periodic tenancy.
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How it works in practice
When ending a rental agreement in South Australia, the amount of notice you are legally required to provide depends on the type of lease you currently hold.
Periodic Leases
If you are on a periodic or rolling lease, you must provide your landlord with a minimum of 21 days' written notice before moving out. Alternatively, you can give notice equivalent to a single rent period if that period is longer than 21 days (for example, if you pay rent monthly).
Fixed-Term Leases
For fixed-term agreements, the lease does not simply end on the final date written in the contract. To move out on the end date, you must provide at least 28 days' written notice prior to that specific date. If you fail to give this notice, your lease will automatically convert into a periodic tenancy, and you will continue to be responsible for paying rent.
Serving the Notice
Your notice to vacate must be delivered in writing. You can use an official form provided by Consumer and Business Services (CBS) or write a letter containing the required details, such as the date you intend to leave and your forwarding address. Keep a copy for your records.
Important exceptions
If your landlord breaches the tenancy agreement, you may be able to end the lease early without penalty. You must first issue a formal notice of breach, giving them time to fix the issue.
In situations involving domestic abuse or severe financial hardship, the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT) can issue an order to terminate your tenancy immediately, overriding standard notice periods.
Additionally, if you need to break a fixed-term lease early for personal reasons, standard notice periods do not apply, but you will be responsible for paying a break lease fee and covering rent until a new tenant is found.
What you should do now
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Determine whether you are currently on a fixed-term or periodic lease agreement.
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Calculate the correct notice period required (21 days for periodic or 28 days for fixed-term).
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Complete a formal written notice of termination or write a clear letter stating your move-out date.
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Deliver the written notice to your landlord or property manager via an approved method, such as email or registered post.
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Keep a copy of the sent notice and any delivery receipts for your personal records to prove it was served.
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