• Always inform the property manager/owner in writing of your intention to leave.
• You may be asked to pay:
  • reasonable re-letting costs (usually 1 week’s rent plus GST)
  • reasonable advertising costs (if incurred), and
  • compensation for loss of rent (until a new tenant is found or until the end date of the agreement – whichever happens first).
• The property manager/owner is legally required to minimise any costs associated with breaking the lease. If you feel they are not mitigating this loss, contact the RTA for assistance.

Options

• You and the property manager/owner mutually agree in writing to end the agreement early on a specific date.
• Give the property manager/owner a Notice of intention to leave (Form 13) and leave the property (you will probably need to pay compensation).
• Get your property manager/owner’s approval to transfer your interest in the property. If you have paid a bond you will need to fill out a Change of bond contributors (Form 6).
• Apply to QCAT to end the agreement due to excessive hardship (if you have evidence to support the application).

• The tenant may end the tenancy agreement early, however they may have to pay compensation if they do not have grounds (sufficient reason).
• The tenant can be charged reasonable re-letting and advertising costs.
• The tenant may be responsible for paying compensation for loss of rent (until a new tenant is found or the end date of the agreement).
• You are legally required to minimise costs associated with the tenant breaking the lease. You should start arrangements for re-letting the property as soon as practical.

Options

• You and tenant mutually agree in writing to end the agreement early on a specific date.
• Tenant provides you with a Notice of intention to leave (Form 13) and you may agree on compensation (e.g. for loss of rent and reasonable re-letting costs).
• Approve the transfer of the tenant’s interest in the property. If they have paid a bond they will need to fill out a Change of bond contributors (Form 6).
• The tenant may decide to apply to QCAT to end the agreement due to excessive hardship (if they have evidence to support the application).

• Without an order from QCAT ending the tenancy the tenant does not have to move out.
• If you do not have a QCAT order but the tenant agrees to move out early you may negotiate with the tenant over a compensation payment (e.g. moving costs).

Options

• You and the tenant mutually agree in writing to end the agreement early on a specific date.
• Apply to QCAT to end the agreement due to excessive hardship (if you have evidence to support the application).

• Without an order from QCAT ending the tenancy, you do not have to move out.
• If the property manager/owner does not have a QCAT order, but you agree to move out early, you may negotiate a compensation payment (e.g. moving costs).

Options

• You and property manager/owner agree in writing to end the agreement early on a specific date.
• The property manager/owner applies to QCAT to end the agreement due to excessive hardship (if they have evidence to support the application).

There are special rules if you live in a premises mostly used as student accommodation, where your right to live there depends on being a student. If you are in this type of accommodation:

• you may be asked to move out with one months’ notice (even if that date will be before the end date written on your lease agreement), or
• you can choose to give one months’ notice that you will be moving out because you are no longer a student. 

If you find yourself in this situation:

• phone us to double-check if this rule might apply to your type of accommodation
• talk with your property manager/owner about your circumstances to see what you can negotiate.

In some circumstances, your property manager/owner may request a copy of your enrolment status, or end of study documentation. Please check with your university, college or school.