Breaking a lease in Tasmania: what it costs and how to do it

How much does it cost to break a lease in Tasmania?

No fixed formula: the tenant pays rent until a new lease starts or the fixed term ends (whichever comes first) plus advertising costs charged to the owner. The owner must mitigate (advertise, process applications, not unreasonably refuse applicants).

Source: official TAS guidance on ending a tenancy early.

How are the costs worked out in Tasmania?

In Tasmania you pay rent until a new lease starts or your fixed term ends (whichever comes first), plus the advertising costs charged to the owner. The owner must mitigate: advertise the property, process applications, and not unreasonably refuse applicants.

When can I break my lease in TAS without paying?

During a fixed term you can give 14 days’ notice if the owner breaches the agreement or fails to repair.

How much notice do I need to give in Tasmania?

• Fixed-term agreement: At the end of a fixed term no notice is legally required — the tenant may simply leave at the end date. During a fixed term for owner breach or failure to repair: 14 days.
• Periodic (rolling) agreement: At least 14 days.

Recent changes: Residential Tenancy Amendment (Pets) Act 2025 commenced 20 March 2026 — tenants request pet consent on an approved form; owners have 14 days to respond (silence = consent) and generally must apply to TASCAT to refuse.

Does the break clause in your lease match TAS law?

Landlords sometimes copy break clauses from other states or from old templates, and a clause that conflicts with Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (Tas) may not be enforceable. Upload your lease and LeaseLand checks the break clause — and every other clause — against your state's rules.

Where do I get official help in Tasmania?

• Official TAS guidance: ending a tenancy early
• Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (Tas) (legislation)
• Disputes: Residential Tenancy Commissioner (bonds, repairs, unreasonable rent) with appeal to the Magistrates Court (Civil Division), which hears all residential tenancy disputes; TASCAT handles pet-refusal applications

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