The proprietor of a rooming house may make rules about the conduct of the residents. These rules must be in writing [Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) s 105A]. The rooming house proprietor must ensure that the rules are displayed in a prominent place in the premises and provide a copy on request to any resident or prospective resident [s 105D]. However, if a copy is requested within 2 months of one being provided previously a further copy does not need to be issued, but a copy must be made available for inspection.

These rules will only be valid to the extent that they are made for the health and safety of the residents or the safety of property. A rooming house proprietor may make amendments to the house rules. These must also be in writing and they do not take effect until each resident of the rooming house has been given 7 days written notice of the change [s 105B].

If a resident believes a house rule to be unreasonble they can make an application to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a declaration confirming this and amending the rule. If SACAT makes an order that the rule is unreasonable, the house rule becomes void. A proprietor who fails to comply with a SACAT order to amend a house rule is guilty of an offence with a maximum penalty of $25,000 (expiation fee $2,000) [s 105C].