Rent bidding could become illegal in South Australia

Rent bidding could become illegal in South Australia under reforms being introduced into parliament in an attempt to ease rising prices.

The cost of rental accommodation in Adelaide is at an all time high, averaging $450 a week.

Meanwhile the vacancy rate sits at just over half a per cent, which means many desperate prospective tenants are offering above the asking price to secure a place to call home.

READ MORE: Virus with no cure kills nine people suddenly

The new laws would make it illegal for landlords to advertise a rental price range, to encourage offers above the advertised price or to put the home up for a price auction.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the reforms would bring the state in line with some other states.

"It's a progressive step, it seeks to get the balance right between the interest of landlord and tenants," Malinauskas said.

"But it's important if we want to protect those in our community who are simply just wanting to participate in the rental market with a chance of getting a roof over their head."

The government said it hopes the reforms will be in effect by the end of the year.