When a tenant abandons a rental property

24 Feb 2021
  1. Rental law changes relating to ending tenancies, renting with pets and the introduction of repair orders commenced as of 1 October 2022. Learn more.
  2. Minimum housing standards came into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023 and for all remaining tenancies from 1 September 2024. Learn more.
  3. Changes to Queensland rental laws came into effect from 6 June 2024. Further changes commenced from 30 September 2024, as part of ongoing rental reforms. Learn more.

This resource was recorded prior to the rental law changes coming into effect, and some information may be out of date.

When a tenant abandons a rental property, it is important for the property manager/owner to know what to do and follow correct processes to end the tenancy and to deal with any possessions left behind.

This 11-minute practical webinar goes through the steps of what is required and covers:

  • the first signs of abandonment and steps to take
  • options to terminate the tenancy
  • what happens if the tenant has not abandoned the property
  • personal documents and the Public Trustee
  • disposal of goods.
Original publication on 24 Feb 2021
Last updated on 24 Feb 2021

Note: While the RTA makes every reasonable effort to ensure that information on this website is accurate at the time of publication, changes in circumstances after publication may impact on the accuracy of material. This disclaimer is in addition to and does not limit the application of the Residential Tenancies Authority website disclaimer.