Breaking a lease in Queensland: what it costs and how to do it
What you can be charged for ending a fixed-term tenancy early in QLD, how much notice to give, and when you can leave without paying — based on Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld).
LeaseLand provides general information about Australian tenancy law — it is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, contact your state's tenancy authority or a qualified professional. Facts on this page were checked against official sources on 2026-07-06.
How much does it cost to break a lease in Queensland?
Fixed terms under 3 years entered on or after 30 Sep 2024: capped at the LESSER of rent until a new tenant moves in, OR a tier by portion of term expired — under 25%: 4 weeks rent; 25–50%: 3 weeks; 50–75%: 2 weeks; 75% or more: 1 week. The RTA provides an online calculator.
| Portion of fixed term elapsed | Maximum you can be charged |
|---|---|
| 0% – under 25% | 4 weeks of rent |
| 25% – under 50% | 3 weeks of rent |
| 50% – under 75% | 2 weeks of rent |
| 75% – 100% | 1 week of rent |
Worked example: You pay A$500 a week on a 12-month lease and hand back the keys after 4 months (about a third of the term) — the maximum charge is A$1,500 (3 weeks of rent — 33% of your term has elapsed (25–50% tier). This is a CAP: you pay the lesser of this amount or rent until a new tenant moves in).
What will my break fee be?
Enter your rent and dates for an estimate under the Queensland formula.
This is an estimate based on the Queensland formula, for general information only — not legal advice. Your lease and circumstances may change the outcome.
Assumptions: Fixed-term agreements of under 3 years entered into on or after 30 September 2024. You pay the LESSER of rent until a new tenant moves in or the capped amount — the tiers are a ceiling, not a fixed fee.
Formula source: official Queensland guidance
Does re-letting change what I owe in QLD?
Queensland’s cap is expressed as the lesser of rent until a new tenant moves in or the tier amount — so the faster the property is re-let, the less you pay. The RTA also provides an official online calculator.
How much notice do I need to give in Queensland?
- Fixed-term agreement: End of fixed term: 14 days notice (Form 13) — ending on the later of 14 days or the agreement end date.
- Periodic (rolling) agreement: Minimum 14 days notice, no reason needed.
Recent changes: Staged reforms: 6 June 2024 (rent bidding ban, 12-month rent-increase limit attached to the property, rent-in-advance caps); 30 Sep 2024 (4-week bond cap for all rents, fee-free rent payment option, capped reletting-costs formula for new leases); 1 May 2025 (bond claim evidence within 14 days, payment-benefit disclosure, entry notice raised from 24 to 48 hours).
Does the break clause in your lease match QLD law?
Landlords sometimes copy break clauses from other states or from old templates, and a clause that conflicts with Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) may not be enforceable. Upload your lease and LeaseLand checks the break clause — and every other clause — against your state's rules.
Run a free lease checkWhere do I get official help in Queensland?
- Official QLD guidance: ending a tenancy early
- Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) (legislation)
- Disputes: RTA free dispute resolution (conciliation) first; then Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)
- Free tenant advice: Tenants Queensland (formerly Tenants Union of Queensland)
Breaking a lease somewhere else?
More guides: renting in Australia as an international student · illegal and unfair lease clauses, state by state · check my lease
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