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

How much does it cost to break a lease in Western Australia?

No fixed formula — "reasonable costs" regime: the tenant may pay advertising and rent until a new tenant moves in or the term ends, but not costs they are not responsible for (e.g. landlord delays re-advertising). Early exit otherwise only by mutual written agreement, family/domestic violence, uninhabitable premises, or breach.

Source: official WA guidance on ending a tenancy early.

How are the costs worked out in Western Australia?

WA uses a “reasonable costs” regime: you may pay advertising and rent until a new tenant moves in or the term ends — but not costs you are not responsible for, such as the landlord delaying re-advertising.

When can I break my lease in WA without paying?

Early exit is otherwise only available by mutual written agreement, in cases of family or domestic violence, if the premises are uninhabitable, or if the landlord is in breach.

How much notice do I need to give in Western Australia?

• Fixed-term agreement: At least 30 days notice before the agreement end date.
• Periodic (rolling) agreement: At least 21 days notice.

Recent changes: Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, staged: 29 July 2024 (rent increases once per 12 months, rent bidding ban, pets with permission, minor modifications, retaliation protections); 28 March 2026 (streamlined bond release with Commissioner-determined bond disputes). Phase 2 (removal of no-grounds terminations, minimum standards) is announced but NOT yet commenced — no-grounds termination remains lawful in WA as of 2026-07-06.

Does the break clause in your lease match WA law?

Landlords sometimes copy break clauses from other states or from old templates, and a clause that conflicts with Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), as amended by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 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 Western Australia?

• Official WA guidance: ending a tenancy early
• Residential Tenancies Act 1987 (WA), as amended by the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024 (legislation)
• Disputes: Magistrates Court — WA has no tenancy tribunal. Consumer Protection WA provides advice and conciliation; the Commissioner for Consumer Protection decides disputed bond releases from 28 Mar 2026
• Free tenant advice: Tenants' Union of Western Australia (Tenancy WA)

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