Work out how much of the lease has elapsed
The dates determine whether the tenancy is in the first, second, third or final quarter of its fixed term.
TenantTools for Queensland renters
Estimate your break lease costs before you move
Start with the free calculator, then move into clear Queensland rental rules or practical hands-on help for the job in front of you. Your calculator information stays in your browser and is not submitted anywhere.
Free calculator
Queensland break lease estimate
Use the date you expect to hand back vacant possession, not the day you first notify the agent.
Want the detail?See how the calculator works Open explanationClose explanation
Understanding the result
How Queensland reletting costs are calculated
Apply the statutory rent cap
The cap is four weeks, three weeks, two weeks or one week of rent, depending on the percentage elapsed.
Compare it with actual rent loss
If a new tenant starts sooner, the reletting cost is limited to the lesser rent-loss amount.
| Lease elapsed | Maximum reletting cost |
|---|---|
| Less than 25% | 4 weeks rent |
| 25% to less than 50% | 3 weeks rent |
| 50% to less than 75% | 2 weeks rent |
| 75% or more | 1 week rent |
Help beyond the estimate
Choose the kind of renter help you need
Both streams are researched for Queensland renters. One explains the rules. The other helps you complete the task.
01
Rules and Rights
Understand what applies
Current Queensland rules, official forms, notice periods, dispute pathways and evidence requirements.
Browse rules and rights 02 Practical Help Get the job doneResearch-based checklists, practical comparisons, downloadable tools and solutions to everyday renter problems.
Browse practical helpFeatured Rules and Rights
Know the Queensland rules before you act
Start with these commonly needed guides, or search the complete Rules and Rights library by renter problem.
Start here
How to break a lease in Queensland
Follow the process from checking your agreement and giving notice through to handover, reletting costs and bond refund.
Read the step-by-step guideMoving out
Complete Form 13 correctly
Choose the right ground, calculate the handover date, serve the notice correctly and keep proof.
Read the Form 13 guideRent changes
Check and challenge a rent increase
Understand the property-based 12-month rule, written notice and the evidence QCAT considers.
Read the rent increase guideBond claims
Respond to an agent's bond claim
Protect the Notice of claim deadline and prepare for RTA conciliation or QCAT.
Read the bond dispute guideBond refunds
Get your rental bond back
Prepare exit evidence, request the refund and know what to do if the owner or agent makes a claim.
Read the bond refund guideFeatured Practical Help
Turn the rules into a finished task
Start with these featured moving-out resources, or open the Practical Help library for all 11 guides covering moving, evidence, cleaning, home setup and indoor comfort.
Moving out | Free PDF included
Prepare for the final inspection
Use a research-based room checklist, understand what property managers commonly inspect and take the free TenantTools checklist with you.
- Room-by-room cleaning prompts
- Commonly missed inspection areas
- Exit evidence and key handover checks
Decision guide
Decide between DIY, professional or hybrid bond cleaning
Compare time, equipment, quote scope and correction terms before choosing how to complete the clean.
Compare the three optionsHow TenantTools works
Clear sources, visible review dates and transparent commercial links
TenantTools publishes general Queensland renter information. It does not replace advice about an individual tenancy.
Primary sources first
Legal and procedural claims are checked against Queensland legislation, the RTA, QCAT and Queensland Government material where available.
Attribution on every guide
Each substantive guide identifies TenantTools as the publisher, links to its research method and displays a last-reviewed date.
Commercial links disclosed
Advertising and affiliate relationships are kept separate from the legal sources and are disclosed where they appear.
Common questions
Break lease FAQ
Is this the total amount I will owe?
Not necessarily. The calculator estimates reletting costs only. It does not include rent arrears, water or other service charges, property damage, cleaning, bond claims, moving costs or separately agreed amounts.
What happens if a new tenant moves in quickly?
For eligible newer agreements, the reletting cost is the lesser of the statutory cap and the rent payable until the replacement tenancy begins.
Does the agent have to try to find a new tenant?
The property manager or owner must take reasonable steps to minimise loss associated with the lease ending early.
What if my lease began before 30 September 2024?
Older agreements may continue to rely on a compliant term requiring reasonable reletting costs. Review your agreement and seek advice from the RTA or Tenants Queensland.
Can I leave because of hardship or domestic violence?
Different legal processes may apply. Excessive hardship can involve an urgent QCAT application. A person experiencing domestic and family violence may be able to use Form 20 and should obtain specialist support.
Important disclaimer
This website provides a general estimate only and is not legal, financial or tenancy advice. Laws, forms and official guidance may change. Verify your result with the Queensland Residential Tenancies Authority and obtain advice for your circumstances. This website is independent and is not affiliated with the Queensland Government or the RTA.