Breaking your lease: everything you need to know
We understand that plans can change. If you need to move out before the end of your fixed-term tenancy agreement, this is called breaking your lease.
There are a few important things to know before you make your decision.
How much notice do I need to give?
You are required to give us at least 14 days' written notice of your intention to leave.
We recommend letting us know as early as possible. The more notice we have, the sooner we can start preparing to find a new tenant, which may help reduce the cost to you.
Will it cost me money to break my lease?
Usually, yes.
If you end a fixed-term tenancy early, you may be required to pay a reletting cost.
For most fixed-term agreements of 3 years or less entered into or renewed from 30 September 2024, the maximum reletting cost depends on how much of your lease has passed when you hand the property back.
| When you leave | Maximum reletting cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 25% of your lease has passed | 4 weeks' rent |
| 25% to less than 50% has passed | 3 weeks' rent |
| 50% to less than 75% has passed | 2 weeks' rent |
| 75% or more has passed | 1 week's rent |
Want to estimate your reletting cost?
You can use the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority's Reletting Costs Calculator to estimate the potential cost based on your lease details.
Use the RTA Reletting Costs Calculator
The calculator provides an estimate only. Your final reletting cost may depend on when you hand the property back and when a new tenancy begins.
Do I also have to pay an advertising or letting fee?
For agreements covered by the current reletting-cost rules, additional advertising and reletting fees are not added on top of the prescribed reletting cost.
The reletting cost is calculated using the formula above.
You will still need to pay any other amounts you are normally responsible for under your tenancy, such as outstanding rent, water charges or costs relating to damage or cleaning.
What happens after I tell you I want to leave?
Once we receive your notice, we'll:
- confirm receipt of the notice;
- explain the vacate process and what you need to do;
- arrange for the property to be advertised and shown to prospective tenants;
- work to find a suitable replacement tenant as soon as reasonably possible; and
- confirm your final reletting cost once we know when the new tenancy will begin.
We are required to take reasonable steps to minimise the loss caused by the lease ending early, so we will begin the reletting process as soon as practical.
Can I help reduce my break lease cost?
Potentially, yes.
The quicker a new tenancy begins after you leave, the lower your reletting cost may be.
You can help by:
- giving us as much notice as possible;
- keeping the property presentable for inspections;
- allowing reasonable access for prospective tenants; and
- responding promptly when we contact you about the vacate or reletting process.
What if I'm leaving because of a serious issue?
Some circumstances have different rules and may not be treated as a standard break lease.
This can include situations involving domestic and family violence, excessive hardship, serious breaches of the tenancy agreement or the property becoming unliveable.
If you think this applies to you, please speak with us before submitting a standard break lease request so we can make sure the correct process is followed.
Ready to let us know?
Submit your break lease request here.
We'll review your tenancy, explain what applies to you and guide you through the next steps.