If you are homeless or at risk of homelessness, call Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308 (24 hours, 7 days). For domestic violence support, call the Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098 (24 hours). In an emergency, call 000.
If rent, mortgage repayments or bills are getting on top of you, you're not alone, and there is free help in South Australia. This guide lists the main services for renters and families, checked on official websites on 22 October 2026. Services and rules change, so always check the linked page or call the service for your situation.
If you're homeless or at risk of losing your home
Homeless Connect SA (1800 003 308) is free, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can assess your situation, give advice and refer you to local homelessness services (SA Department of Human Services).
Family and domestic violence
The Domestic Violence Crisis Line offers private, confidential support 24 hours a day on 1300 782 200 or 1800 800 098 (DHS).
Help with bond, rent and arrears
The SA Housing Trust's Private Rental Assistance can help eligible people with (SA Housing Trust):
- a bond guarantee, so you don't have to pay the bond in cash
- rent in advance to move into a new rental
- rent in arrears, if you've fallen behind and are at risk of eviction.
Apply before you move in, because rent in advance isn't available once you've moved. Call 131 299 (weekdays 8.30am to 5.30pm) or see how to apply.
Free tenancy advice and your rights
RentRight SA is South Australia's free Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service, supported by the SA Housing Trust. It can help with leases, bonds, repairs, rent arrears and tribunal hearings. Call 1800 060 462, weekdays 8am to 8pm (RentRight SA). Consumer and Business Services also gives free tenancy advice on 131 882 (CBS renting rights).
A few rules worth knowing (sa.gov.au: rent increases):
- Rent can only be increased at least 12 months after the last increase or the start of the agreement, with at least 60 days' written notice.
- There's no limit on the amount, but you can apply to SACAT within 90 days of the notice to have an increase declared excessive.
- A landlord can't take possession of the property without a SACAT order.
Help with energy and water bills
The Emergency Electricity Payment Scheme helps people with an electricity debt who are at risk of disconnection or have been disconnected. A financial counsellor lodges the application for you (sa.gov.au). Energy bill concessions are also available for people on low or fixed incomes; call ConcessionsSA on 1800 307 758.
National help, wherever you live
- Rent Assistance: an extra Centrelink payment if you get an eligible payment and pay rent above a certain amount (Services Australia).
- National Debt Helpline: free financial counselling on 1800 007 007 (ndh.org.au).
- Ask Izzy: a free directory of local food, housing and money help (askizzy.org.au).
Help in other states and territories is listed on our national housing help page.
About Nhanya Foundation
Nhanya Foundation is a registered charity based in Melbourne's west, Victoria. We can't provide direct support in South Australia, so please contact the services above. If you're in Melbourne's west, call us on 03 8595 9012 or make a referral.
Live somewhere else? See housing help for every state and territory.