Ending my lease · Queensland

I want to move out

2 weeks' notice, capped break costs, and leaving because of violence.

1. 01On a periodic agreement you can leave with 2 weeks' notice

   s 327

   If your agreement is periodic, you can end it for any reason by giving at least 2 weeks' notice of intention to leave on the approved form.

   You might have been told: "You need to give a month's notice." On a periodic agreement it's 2 weeks.

   Next step: Use the Notice of intention to leave (Form 13), keep a copy, and note the date you gave it.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 327 and sch 1

2. 02At the end of a fixed term, give 2 weeks' notice

   s 327

   To leave when your fixed term ends, give at least 2 weeks' notice of intention to leave, with a handover day no earlier than the last day of the term.

   You might have been told: "If you don't renew, you have to give a month." It's 2 weeks before the end of the term.

   Next step: Give the Notice of intention to leave (Form 13) at least 2 weeks before the end date.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 327 and sch 1

3. 03Breaking a lease: reletting costs are capped

   s 357A

   For fixed-term agreements of 3 years or less entered into on or after 30 September 2024, the reletting cost you can be charged for leaving early is capped: 4 weeks' rent if less than 25% of the term has passed, 3 weeks for 25% to under 50%, 2 weeks for 50% to under 75%, and 1 week for 75% or more. The landlord must also take reasonable steps to re-let quickly to keep your costs down.

   You might have been told: "Break the lease and you pay rent until the end of the term." The landlord has to try to re-let quickly, and reletting costs are capped.

   Next step: Work out how far through your term you are, put your notice in writing, and help the agent find a replacement if you can.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 357A (reletting costs) and s 362 (duty to mitigate)

4. 04Domestic and family violence: you can leave with 7 days' notice

   s 308B

   If you're experiencing domestic and family violence, you can end your interest in the tenancy by giving 7 days' notice on the approved form. You can leave straight away, but you're responsible for rent until the 7 days end.

   Next step: Use Form 20 from the RTA. For support, call DVConnect on 1800 811 811 (24/7), or 000 in an emergency.

   Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) s 308B; Notice ending tenancy interest (Form 20)

The letter writer and free tools cover NSW for now. For help with your situation, ask above or contact Tenants Queensland at tenantsqld.org.au.