Breaking a lease in South Australia: what it costs and how to do it
What you can be charged for ending a fixed-term tenancy early in SA, how much notice to give, and when you can leave without paying — based on Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA).
LeaseLand provides general information about Australian tenancy law — it is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact your state's tenancy authority or a qualified professional. Facts on this page were checked against official sources on 2026-07-06.
How much does it cost to break a lease in South Australia?
Rent until re-let (landlord must mitigate) plus advertising/re-letting fees per SACAT formulas: break-lease fee max 1 month rent if less than 24 months remain; 1 month rent per remaining year (max 6 months) if more than 24 months remain; advertising/re-letting fees prorated to the remaining term.
Worked example: You pay A$500 a week on an 18-month lease and leave after 6 months (about 12 months remain) — the break fee is A$2,167 (Capped at 1 month of rent — about 12 months remain on your agreement).
What will my break fee be?
Enter your rent and dates for an estimate under the South Australia formula.
This is an estimate based on the South Australia formula, for general information only — not legal advice. Your lease and circumstances may change the outcome.
Assumptions: SACAT formulas: the break-lease fee is capped at 1 month of rent if less than 24 months remain on the agreement, or 1 month of rent per remaining year (maximum 6 months) if more than 24 months remain. Advertising and re-letting fees are prorated to the remaining term. The landlord must also take reasonable steps to re-let the property (duty to mitigate).
Formula source: official South Australia guidance
Does re-letting change what I owe in SA?
In SA you pay rent until the property is re-let, and the landlord must mitigate their loss. Advertising and re-letting fees are prorated to the remaining term under the SACAT formulas.
How much notice do I need to give in South Australia?
- Fixed-term agreement: End of fixed term: 28 days notice (Form 17) — per the SA Legal Services Commission Law Handbook.
- Periodic (rolling) agreement: 21 days or one rental period, whichever is longer (Form 16) — per the SA Legal Services Commission Law Handbook.
Recent changes: Major reforms commenced 1 July 2024 (prescribed termination grounds, 60-day end-of-fixed-term notice, pet rules, minimum standards); 1 Sep 2025 added new termination grounds and a single rental application Form A1 (mandatory from 1 Jan 2026); 15 Jan 2026 technical amendments (rent-increase anti-avoidance, 6-month re-let bar clarification, unclaimed bonds).
Does the break clause in your lease match SA law?
Landlords sometimes copy break clauses from other states or from old templates, and a clause that conflicts with Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) may not be enforceable. Upload your lease and LeaseLand checks the break clause — and every other clause — against your state's rules.
Run a free lease checkWhere do I get official help in South Australia?
- Official SA guidance: ending a tenancy early
- Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) (legislation)
- Disputes: South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (SACAT)
- Free tenant advice: RentRight SA (tenant advice, 1800 060 462)
Breaking a lease somewhere else?
More guides: renting in Australia as an international student · illegal and unfair lease clauses, state by state · check my lease
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