Queensland · free template · rules checked 19 Oct 2026

Rent increase letter template for Queensland

For Queensland general-tenancy renters replying to an increase. Check your rent first, or copy the free template below.

Optional A$5 pack after the check: your reply written with your figures, and a dated evidence PDF.

The letter

Keep the parts that apply to you and fill in the square brackets. How to use it is below the letter.

[Today's date] To: [Property manager's name] Re: Rent increase for [your address] Dear [name], Thank you for your notice, which I received on [the day you got it], proposing to increase the rent from $[current rent] to $[new rent] a week from [the day it starts]. That's an increase of [the percentage]: $[the difference] a week, or $[the difference × 52] a year. I've looked at the published figures. Residential Tenancies Authority (Queensland) bond data for new leases of [your kind of home, such as 2-bedroom units] in postcode [your postcode] shows a median of $[the median] a week for [the quarter], from [the number of] new leases. [Keep any that are true:] I've paid the rent on time throughout my tenancy. I've looked after the property. I'd like to stay on for the long term. Some repairs at the property are still outstanding. [Only if the notice gives less than two full months (don't count the day you got it; a period that ends on a weekend or public holiday runs to the next business day), and your lessor isn't an exempt lessor such as some community housing providers:] My understanding of the rules is that at least two months' written notice is needed before a new rent starts, unless this increase only takes the rent back after a reduction for a problem with the property or one QCAT ordered. Your notice reached me on [the day you got it] and gives [the number of] full days before [the day it starts], not counting the day it reached me. Could you please confirm the start date? [Only if the new rent would start before the first day the 12 months allow (counted from the day after the property's last increase: after 1 March, that's 2 March the next year; after 28 February 2023, 1 March 2024), and your lessor isn't an exempt lessor:] The rent for this property was last increased on [the day]. My understanding is that it can't go up again before [that first day], unless it's one the 12 months don't apply to (going back to the rent after a reduction for a problem with the property or one QCAT ordered, an increase QCAT has allowed). Could you please confirm when the rent for this property was last increased? [Only during a fixed-term lease that doesn't provide for an increase, and your lessor isn't an exempt lessor:] My lease is for a fixed term, and my understanding is that the rent can go up during the term only if the lease says it will and states the amount or how it's worked out (unless this increase only takes the rent back after a reduction for a problem with the property or one QCAT ordered). Could you please show me where my lease provides for this increase? [Either:] I'd like to propose a rent of $[your offer] a week instead. [Or:] I'd like to ask that the rent stay at $[current rent] a week. Could you please reply in writing by [a day about a week from now, and at least three days before your last day to start a dispute: 30 days from when you got the notice, or the day before a fixed term ends if that's sooner]? [If you want to mention it, and your lessor isn't an exempt lessor:] I understand that if we can't agree, I can lodge a dispute resolution request with the RTA within 30 days of receiving the notice (and, on a fixed term, before it ends), and then apply to QCAT if it isn't resolved. Kind regards, [Your name]

Asking when the rent last went up

In Queensland the 12 months count from the property's last increase, whoever the tenant. If you don't know when that was, ask in writing: the answer is due within 14 days, but asking doesn't pause the 30 days to start a dispute.

[Today's date] To: [Property manager's name] Re: Proof of the last rent increase for [your address] Dear [name], I'm asking for written proof of the date the rent for [your address] was last increased. My understanding from the Residential Tenancies Authority is that this is given within 14 days of a written request (unless the lessor is an exempt lessor, or the property is being rented for the first time). Kind regards, [Your name]

How to use it

Find the figures for your area: the free check shows the RTA's median rent for recent new leases of homes like yours in your postcode, and what the increase costs you a year.
Keep the paragraphs that apply to you, fill in the square brackets, and delete the bracketed notes.
Not sure when the rent last went up? Ask for proof in writing: the property manager must give it within 14 days, with some exceptions. Asking doesn't pause the 30 days to start a dispute, so don't wait for the answer if that date is close.
Send it in writing, such as by email, and keep a copy of what you send and any reply.
It's for a general tenancy with an ordinary increase. Rooming accommodation and exempt lessors, such as some community housing providers, follow different rules: the free check covers them, and Tenants Queensland and QSTARS (1300 744 263) can help, free.

Want it filled in for you?

The free check finds the median rent for recent new leases of homes like yours in your postcode, what the increase costs you a year, and whether the dates on your notice fit the published rules. No sign-up. Then, if you want it, the $5 response pack writes this letter with your own figures and dates, and adds a dated evidence PDF.

Check your rent increase free See a sample pack

Questions

What should a letter replying to a rent increase say?

The current and the proposed rent, what the increase costs a year, the median rent for recent new leases of similar homes nearby, a question about any date on the notice that doesn't seem to fit the rules, your proposal, and a day to reply by. The template above has each part.

Can I ask for a smaller increase?

Yes. You can ask, and the landlord can agree to a lower figure or not. Any lower figure you agree on should be confirmed in writing. If you think the increase is excessive, start with a dispute resolution request to the RTA within 30 days of receiving the notice (and before a fixed term ends, if that's sooner); if it isn't resolved, it can go to QCAT.

Is this legal advice?

No. It's a template and general information about the published rules, and we haven't seen your agreement. A tenants' advice service can advise on your situation.