Rent increase rules in Queensland

How often can rent be increased in Queensland?

No more than once every 12 months, counted from the last increase (or from when the property was first rented). A reduction in between doesn't restart the 12 months. Going back to the earlier rent after a reduction because the home became partly unfit to live in, or lost services, facilities or amenity, or after a reduction QCAT ordered, isn't counted as an increase (a discount agreed for another reason isn't one of those). QCAT can allow an earlier increase if the lessor (the landlord) would otherwise suffer undue hardship. After an increase on 25 June 2024, the next could start 26 June 2025 at the earliest.

Since 6 June 2024 the 12 months belong to the property, not the tenant: whoever the tenant, agreement or owner, a new tenancy doesn't start a new 12 months if the rent for the property went up less than 12 months earlier. In rooming accommodation they belong to the room, and a rise only in the cost of food or personal care services isn't a rent increase.

How much notice is needed for a rent increase in QLD?

For an increase during a tenancy, at least two months' written notice for a general tenancy, and four weeks for rooming accommodation. The day the notice is received isn't counted and the period ends at midnight on its last day, so two months' notice received on 20 December allows a new rent from 21 February at the earliest; a period that ends on a weekend or public holiday runs to the next business day. A general tenancy's notice states the new rent, the day it starts and when the rent was last increased. Some exempt lessors, such as some community housing providers, aren't bound by the notice period.

A new agreement at a higher rent needs no notice period. If no new agreement is signed, the tenancy continues as periodic, and an increase then needs written notice.

Can rent go up during a fixed-term lease in Queensland?

Ordinarily only if the agreement provides for an increase and states the new amount or how it is worked out. The 12-month limit and the notice period still apply.

Some exempt lessors, such as some community housing providers, aren't bound by the clause requirement or the notice period.

Can I ask when the rent was last increased?

Yes. A renter can ask the property manager in writing for proof of when the rent was last increased, and they must give it within 14 days, unless the lessor is an exempt lessor or the property is being rented for the first time. In rooming accommodation a resident can ask the provider the same about their room.

Do these rules apply to community housing?

Not always. Some community housing providers are exempt lessors, and some of these rules may not bind them: the 12-month limit, the proof rule, the notice period, the fixed-term increase clause, and taking a new agreement's rent to QCAT. In rooming accommodation, an exempt provider isn't bound by the 12-month limit or the proof rule (and needn't state when the rent last went up), but the notice period, a fixed term's increase clause and the dispute route still apply. A tenants' advice service can say whether your provider is one and which rules apply.

How much can a landlord increase the rent in Queensland?

Queensland sets no fixed limit or percentage on the size of an increase.

If a renter thinks an increase is excessive, they can dispute it: first through the RTA's free dispute resolution, then at QCAT if it isn't resolved. The tribunal looks at things like the rents for comparable homes nearby, the home's condition and what comes with it. Recent new-lease figures for the area are one part of that picture.

How long is there to dispute an excessive increase in Queensland?

Start with a dispute resolution request to the RTA within 30 days of receiving the notice (and before a fixed term ends), or within 30 days of entering a new agreement at a higher rent. A rent dispute has to go through the RTA before it can go to QCAT; if it isn't resolved, the RTA gives a notice to take to QCAT. Some exempt lessors' rents can't be taken to QCAT (see community housing above).

A tenants' advice service can explain the process and what QCAT looks at. Disputing is a renter's own decision.

Is my rent increase fair?

Only QCAT can decide whether an increase is excessive. What you can see for yourself is where the new rent sits against recent new leases of similar homes nearby, from the RTA's bond data, and whether the dates on your notice fit the rules above.

The free check shows both, without signing up.