When a tenant in Queensland ends a fixed-term tenancy agreement early—known as "breaking the lease"—they may be required to compensate the owner. From 30 September 2024, new laws introduce a structured approach to calculating these reletting costs.
How Reletting Costs Are Calculated
The amount a tenant must pay depends on how much of the lease has already passed at the time of termination:
- Less than 25% of the lease expired: 4 weeks' rent
- 25% to less than 50% expired: 3 weeks' rent
- 50% to less than 75% expired: 2 weeks' rent
- 75% or more expired: 1 week's rent
For leases up to three years, tenants will pay the lower amount between the calculated reletting cost and the rent owed until a new tenant is found.
Example Scenario
A tenant in Queensland with a 12-month lease at $500 per week who terminates after 3 months (25% of the lease term) would pay 4 weeks' rent ($2,000) as a reletting cost.
Additional Costs and Owner Responsibilities
While reletting costs cover the early termination, tenants may also need to pay reasonable advertising expenses to secure a new tenant. However, #1 Property Centre must take reasonable steps to minimize losses by actively seeking a replacement tenant.
More Information
For full details and the online reletting costs calculator, visit the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) website.
Understanding these new rules helps ensure a fair process for both tenants and property owners in Queensland.