Renting in Queensland — Your Rights and Rules

Bond limits, notice periods, rent increases, break lease costs, and where to get help — for tenants in Queensland.

Last updated April 2026 · Source: State tenancy authority · Financial year: 2025–26 Current 2025–26
The Answer
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Bond limits, notice periods, rent increases, break lease costs, and where to get help — for tenants in Queensland.

Key Rules for Tenants — QLD

RuleQLD
Maximum bond4 weeks rent
No-grounds eviction noticeNo grounds eviction abolished (new laws)
Rent increase notice60 days written notice
Max rent increase frequencyOnce every 12 months (6 months for some periodic tenancies)
Break lease costsReasonable costs — re-letting fee + rent until new tenant or end of lease (capped at percentages)
Disputes tribunalQueensland Civil & Administrative Tribunal (QCAT)

Your Bond

Your bond is capped at 4 weeks rent in QLD. Your landlord must lodge it with the state bond authority — they can't keep it in their own account. At the end of your lease, you get it back minus any legitimate deductions for damage (not fair wear and tear) or unpaid rent.

Rent Increases

Your landlord must give you 60 days written notice of a rent increase. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months (6 months for some periodic tenancies). If you think an increase is excessive, you can apply to Queensland Civil & Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) to have it reviewed.

Breaking Your Lease

If you need to leave before your lease ends: Reasonable costs — re-letting fee + rent until new tenant or end of lease (capped at percentages). You can minimise costs by finding a replacement tenant yourself, giving as much notice as possible, and leaving the property in good condition.

Repairs and Maintenance

Your landlord must keep the property in a reasonable state of repair. For urgent repairs (broken hot water, gas leak, flooding, no electricity), your landlord must respond quickly — if they don't, you can arrange emergency repairs yourself (up to a capped amount) and be reimbursed.

Getting Help

If you have a dispute with your landlord, contact Queensland Civil & Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). You can also get free advice from your state's tenants' advice service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much bond can a landlord charge in QLD?

The maximum bond in Queensland is 4 weeks rent.

How much notice for a rent increase in QLD?

Your landlord must give 60 days written notice. Rent can only be increased once every 12 months (6 months for some periodic tenancies).

What happens if I break my lease in QLD?

Reasonable costs — re-letting fee + rent until new tenant or end of lease (capped at percentages). Giving more notice and finding a replacement tenant yourself can reduce costs significantly.

What Changed

Apr 2026 Verified for Queensland
Last updated: April 2026 · Source: State tenancy authority · Financial year: 2025–26