Rent Bidding Crackdown: $20,000 Fines Now in Force

South Australia joined the national movement against rent bidding on September 1, 2023, implementing the toughest penalties in Australia - up to $20,000 for landlords or agents caught soliciting higher bids.

With Adelaide's median rent hitting $540 per week and vacancy rates below 1%, the government acted decisively to protect vulnerable tenants from predatory practices.

What's Now Illegal Across Australia

Banned Practices:

• Advertising rent ranges (e.g., "$500-$600")
• Telling applicants others offered more
• Running "rental auctions"
• Soliciting above-advertised offers
• Creating false competition

State-by-State Penalties:

• South Australia: $20,000 maximum
• NSW: $11,000 for companies, $5,500 individuals
• Queensland: Prohibited with RTA enforcement
• Victoria: Banned under recent reforms
• ACT: Prohibited under Residential Tenancies Act

The Hidden Discrimination

Rent bidding disproportionately affects:

• Low-income families
• Young workers
• International students
• Single parents
• Essential workers

By forcing a "highest bidder wins" mentality, it creates economic discrimination that locks out those who need housing most.

Spotting Illegal Practices

Watch for these red flags:

• "Rent negotiable" in listings
• Agents mentioning "other offers"
• Pressure to "secure" properties
• Requests for "best and final" offers
• Vague pricing information

Your Rights and Remedies

If you encounter rent bidding:

1. Document all communications
2. Screenshot advertisements
3. Record agent statements
4. Report to Fair Trading/Consumer Affairs
5. Refuse to participate

Bondinator: Your Anti-Bidding Shield

Protect yourself from illegal practices :

• Save all property advertisements
• Record agent communications
• Document offered amounts
• Track timeline of applications
• Build evidence for complaints

Document everything with Bondinator and help create a fairer rental market for all Australians.