RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (27 November 2008).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Energy): I am advised that:

The number of rented residential premises for which security bonds are held by the Residential Tenancies Fund increased from 105, 494 at 30 June 2007 to 111, 502 at 30 June 2008, an increase of 5.7 per cent.

The balance of the increase can be attributed to the higher rental amounts for bond lodgements for new tenancies, against the lower rental amounts for tenancies that are ended and the bonds paid out. This reflects an increase in weekly rents in South Australia.