How to Break a Lease in Queensland

If you need to leave before the end of a fixed-term agreement, start with the numbers and the written process. Moving out does not by itself end every obligation.

The short answer

A Queensland tenant can leave a fixed-term agreement early, but they may have to pay reletting costs or compensation. The amount depends heavily on whether the agreement started or was renewed before or after 30 September 2024, how much of the fixed term had expired at handover and when a new tenancy starts.

For most agreements up to three years that started or were renewed on or after 30 September 2024, the reletting cost is the lower of two amounts:

• The statutory cap of one to four weeks rent, based on how much of the agreement had expired when the tenant vacated.
• The rent that would have been payable between the tenant vacating and a new tenancy starting.

Notice, reletting cost, key handover and bond refund are separate steps. A tenant should not assume that giving 14 days notice fixes the final cost, or that the bond is automatically available to the agent.

The practical options identified by the Residential Tenancies Authority are:

• Reach a written mutual agreement with the property manager or owner.
• Give a Notice of intention to leave (Form 13) and vacate.
• Request approval to transfer your interest in the tenancy.
• Apply to QCAT to terminate the agreement because of excessive hardship.

Which option is best depends on the agreement, reason for leaving, evidence and whether the property manager or owner will negotiate.

Step 1: Check your lease start and end dates

Find your signed General tenancy agreement, usually Form 18a. Check:

• The agreement start date and fixed-term end date.
• The date of the most recent renewal, if any.
• Your weekly rent and every listed tenant.
• Whether the agreement is fixed term or periodic.
• Any special terms about ending the agreement.
• Whether it started or was renewed before or after 30 September 2024.

These details matter because Queensland’s reletting-cost rules changed from 30 September 2024. The current formula generally applies when an agreement started or was renewed on or after that date.

An agreement entered into before 30 September 2024 and not renewed since may still be governed by a previously compliant term requiring reasonable reletting costs. These may include reasonable advertising, reletting work and lost rent. A periodic tenancy has no fixed end date, so leaving is generally an ordinary termination rather than breaking a fixed term, although the correct notice period still applies.

Write down the important dates

Record the lease start, lease end, proposed move, key handover and notification dates. Add a replacement tenant’s proposed start date if known.

Step 2: Estimate the reletting cost

For a fixed-term agreement of three years or less that started or was renewed on or after 30 September 2024, first work out how much of the agreed term had expired when you vacated.

Then compare that cap with the rent that would have been payable from the day you vacated until a new tenancy starts. The reletting cost is the lower amount. For these current-formula agreements, the agent cannot add separate advertising or agency reletting fees on top of the statutory reletting cost.

For an agreement longer than three years, the formula is different. The cap is generally one month’s rent for every 12 months remaining, up to six months rent, or rent until the new tenancy starts, whichever is lower.

Worked example: a new tenant starts quickly

Assume the weekly rent is $650 and 40% of a 12-month agreement has expired. The scheduled cap is three weeks rent, or $1,950. If a new tenancy starts one week after handover, the alternative amount is $650. The lower amount is $650.

Worked example: most of the term has expired

Assume the same $650 weekly rent and 80% of the term has expired. The scheduled cap is one week rent, or $650. Even if the gap before the new tenancy is three weeks, the lower amount remains $650.

These examples isolate the reletting-cost calculation. Other properly supported amounts, such as unpaid rent, water charges or tenant-caused damage, are separate questions.

Step 3: Notify the property manager in writing

Contact the property manager or owner as soon as you know you need to leave. An initial email may not replace the formal notice form, but it creates a written record and opens a discussion about your options.

Include the address, tenants’ names, expected moving date, a brief explanation that you need to end the fixed term early, and whether you want to discuss a mutual termination or transfer. Ask for the agency’s break lease procedure and for proposed costs in writing.

Ask for the cost details, not just a total

A useful written request asks the property manager to confirm:

• Which agreement and renewal date they used.
• The recorded vacate or handover date.
• The percentage of the fixed term that had expired.
• The scheduled one-to-four-week cap that applies, if relevant.
• The start date of any replacement tenancy.
• Whether the figure is a reletting cost, unpaid rent, water, damage, cleaning or another claim.
• The supporting calculation and evidence for every amount.

You do not need to disclose every private detail. Keep every email, form and reply. After a phone call, send a brief email recording what was discussed.

Thank you for speaking with me today. As discussed, I am proposing to vacate the property on 18 August 2026 and would like to explore either a mutual termination or an approved transfer of the tenancy. Please confirm the required process and any proposed costs in writing.

Written records can matter if there is later disagreement about notice, access, reletting efforts, compensation or the bond.

Step 4: Ask whether a mutual termination is possible

Before completing Form 13, ask whether the property manager or owner will negotiate a mutual termination. This means everyone agrees in writing to end the tenancy on a particular date.

The RTA does not provide a specific form. A clear agreement should address:

• The end date, vacant date and key return.
• Rent payable to handover and agreed compensation.
• Inspections, water, damage and cleaning costs.
• Whether either party releases the other from further claims.
• The bond and whether Form 13 is still required.

Do not assume a friendly “that should be fine” settles everything. Ask for the complete outcome in writing. A mutual termination can give both sides certainty and let advertising begin earlier.

Step 5: Consider transferring the tenancy

A transfer can be useful in a share house where one tenant wants to leave and the others want to remain. The outgoing tenant’s interest may be transferred to a remaining or incoming tenant, subject to approval.

The existing tenants should agree, then request written permission from the property manager or owner. The RTA says the owner or manager must be reasonable when considering a request to change tenants. The incoming person may still need to apply, provide permitted identification and financial evidence, and meet lawful application requirements.

Finding an interested person does not complete the transfer. Do not advertise as though you can approve a replacement yourself.

A Form 6 does not transfer the lease by itself

If bond contributors change, the parties may need a Change of bond contributors (Form 6). It updates the RTA’s bond records; it does not by itself remove anyone from the tenancy agreement.

The outgoing tenant should wait for written approval and updated agreement records. They will generally receive their bond share from the incoming or remaining tenants because the RTA does not manage that exchange.

Step 6: Complete and serve Form 13

If you are proceeding with leaving, you will generally need to give a Notice of intention to leave (Form 13). The form records that you intend to vacate by a particular date, including when breaking a fixed term.

Use the latest version from the official RTA Form 13 page. Check the address, agent details, tenant names, selected reason, handover date, issue date and signatures.

Do not assume Form 13 cancels all costs

Form 13 gives notice that you intend to leave. It does not necessarily release you from compensation or other amounts connected with ending early.

Check the current minimum notice period for your reason. If posting, allow delivery time. For email, confirm the nominated service address and that electronic service is valid. Keep evidence of when and how notice was sent.

Give notice as early as reasonably possible

Earlier communication can help the agent begin reletting. The owner or manager is required to minimise the loss associated with the early end and should arrange to relet as soon as practical.

Step 7: Prepare for inspections and reletting

After notice, the property manager will usually prepare advertising and viewings. Cooperating with lawful access can help the property be relet sooner. Tenants still retain privacy and entry rights.

Individual viewings

For an individual prospective-tenant viewing, the manager or owner generally needs an Entry notice (Form 9) with at least 48 hours’ notice. A separate notice is required for each entry.

Entry must generally be between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Saturday, unless the tenant agrees otherwise. After Form 13 or a Notice to leave, entry is generally limited to twice in seven days, subject to limited exceptions and entries the tenant agrees to.

Open houses require written consent

An open house can only be held if the tenant agrees in writing. If you agree, record the date, time, duration and expectations. Otherwise, the agent may arrange lawful individual viewings. The manager or owner must accompany prospective tenants or buyers unless you agree otherwise.

Make the property easy to present

Keep entrances clear, reduce clutter, secure pets, report repairs and respond promptly to lawful requests. Record viewing dates and confirm access by email. Do not promise applicants approval, rent or a start date.

Step 8: Complete the exit process and hand back the keys

The tenancy is not finalised merely because the furniture is gone. By handover, you should:

• Remove belongings and rubbish, clean and address tenant-caused damage.
• Check agreed carpet-cleaning or pest-control requirements.
• Pay rent and agreed amounts to the relevant date.
• Complete the Exit condition report (Form 14a).
• Take dated photographs and video and record meter readings.
• Return all keys, remotes, garage controls and access cards.
• Provide a forwarding address and keep every document.

Queensland tenants are generally required to leave the property in the same condition as at the start, except for fair wear and tear. Compare it with your original Entry condition report and photographs.

Complete the Exit condition report

Record each area’s actual condition and attach pages or photographs where needed. Photograph floors, walls, doors, appliances, cupboards, bathrooms, windows, blinds, outdoor areas, gardens, fences, meters and every key or remote. Avoid vague notes such as “all good”.

Get evidence of the key handover

Ask for a receipt or written confirmation. If using a secure drop box, email the agent immediately and record the date and time. Show when the property became vacant, when keys were returned, who received them and what was provided.

Step 9: Apply for the bond refund

Once the tenancy has ended and handover has arrived, request the bond through RTA Web Services or Refund of rental bond (Form 4). Do not submit before the tenancy or relevant notice period has ended.

Check that the RTA has your current email, phone, forwarding address, Australian bank details and bond number. The quickest outcome is usually an agreed refund approved by all parties.

What happens if the bond is disputed?

The bond is not automatically paid to the owner because a tenant broke the lease. Claims can involve unpaid rent, reletting costs, water, tenant-caused damage, cleaning beyond obligations, or missing keys and remotes.

Ask for each deduction to be itemised. A property manager or owner who makes a bond claim, or disputes a refund request, must provide supporting evidence to the tenant within 14 days of making that claim or dispute.

If parties disagree, the RTA can hold the disputed amount and issue a Notice of claim. The person disputing generally has 14 days to submit a Dispute resolution request (Form 16). These are two separate 14-day processes. Missing the Notice of claim deadline can affect where the disputed bond is paid even if the required supporting evidence has not been provided, so do not ignore the notice.

What if continuing would cause excessive hardship?

A tenant who believes continuing will cause excessive hardship may apply directly to QCAT for an order terminating the agreement. Moving being expensive or inconvenient does not automatically establish excessive hardship.

Relevant circumstances may include loss of employment and inability to pay rent, required work relocation, severe physical or mental illness, or other serious circumstances. Evidence may include medical, employment, financial or relocation records.

The application is treated as urgent, so the tenant may apply directly to QCAT without ordinary RTA dispute resolution. “Urgent” does not guarantee an immediate hearing. QCAT may still order compensation.

Important situations that may use a different process

This guide covers an ordinary tenant-initiated break lease. Different rules or forms may apply when:

• The tenant is experiencing domestic and family violence.
• The property is unliveable or the owner has seriously breached.
• A repair order has not been followed.
• The property was unexpectedly advertised for sale soon after the tenancy began.
• A sole tenant or co-tenant has died.
• The tenancy is rooming accommodation or lasts over three years.
• QCAT has already made an order.

A tenant experiencing domestic and family violence may use a different process, including Notice ending tenancy interest (Form 20). Use the RTA’s specialist guidance rather than relying only on Form 13.

Common mistakes when breaking a lease

Moving out without written notice

A phone conversation does not replace the correct written process.

Guessing the lease dates

Use the start, end and handover dates in the signed agreement and your records.

Assuming two weeks’ notice ends every obligation

Notice and financial responsibility are separate. Lawful costs may remain payable.

Finding a replacement without approval

An interested person cannot simply take over. The change must be approved and documented.

Treating Form 6 as a lease transfer

Form 6 changes bond contributors; it does not remove a tenant from the lease.

Refusing all inspections

Tenants retain privacy rights, but lawful viewings can occur with the required notice.

Returning only some keys

Missing keys, remotes or access cards can delay handover and create claims.

Applying for the bond too early

Wait until the tenancy has ended and handover has arrived.

Accepting unexplained deductions

Ask for an itemised calculation and supporting evidence.

Queensland break lease checklist

The bottom line

Breaking a lease is easier to manage when each step happens in order. Check the agreement and renewal dates, estimate the lower of the applicable cost cap and the rent until a new tenancy starts, then contact the property manager in writing and ask whether mutual termination or transfer is possible.

If you proceed, complete the correct notice, cooperate with lawful reletting, document the property, return every key and then begin the bond refund process.