South Australia Holding Deposits

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In SA, Holding Deposits are known as a Consideration Payment. The landlord and prospective tenant agree on the amount of the Consideration Payment and the period the premises is held for. The Consideration Payment is credited towards the first rent payment when the tenancy starts.

This guide covers landlords (or head-tenants) and tenants (or sub-tenants) in a Residential Tenancy. This applies to the majority of share accommodation and residential property rental situations. To confirm it covers your situation visit What is my share accommodation situation?

What is a Consideration Payment?

Holding Deposits are known as ‘Consideration Payments’ in South Australia. Paying a Consideration Payment grants the prospective tenant a period where the rental premises is held for them while they make a final decision to enter a tenancy agreement.

What is the Consideration Period and the maximum Consideration Payment?

The landlord and tenant agree on amount of the Consideration Payment. There is no maximum Consideration Payment. However, it is common practice for the Consideration Payment to be the equivalent of 1-2 weeks rent.

The landlord and prospective tenant can agree on a Consideration Period of any length.

What happens to the Consideration Payment?

When the landlord keeps the Consideration Payment:

  • Tenant chooses not to enter the agreement, or
  • Tenant chooses to enter the agreement.

If the tenant does not enter the agreement within the agreed upon Consideration period, the landlord may choose to keep the Consideration Payment.

If the tenant does enter the agreement, then the landlord must put the Consideration Payment towards the rent payable under the agreement.

When the tenant is refunded the Consideration Payment:

  • Landlord refuses to enter the agreement with the tenant, or
  • Landlord enters an agreement with another tenant.

Transferring money safely

When paying your deposit, bond or rent by cash make sure you get a receipt. With modern phones this can be as simple as an SMS or email confirming the amount, date and what it is for. Keep a copy of this incase you need it later.

Never ever transfer money to a bank account outside of Australia or use a untraceable money transfer system such as WESTERN UNION. If anyone asks you to do this on any website it is likely to be a scam and you are almost guaranteed to lose your money.

If this ever happens on Flatmates.com.au report the member immediately so we can investigate and take the appropriate action.

You might also be interested in

SA Bonds
SA Tenancy Agreements
SA Rental Payments


These legal guides provide a brief summary and introduction of the laws and regulations affecting share accommodation. They do not cover all cases in all legal jurisdictions and might not apply in your specific share accommodation situation. It is important that you use this information as a guide only and seek independent Legal Advice or consult the Relevant Acts. We do not accept any liability that may arise from the use of this information.