Fixed-term and periodic agreements
Check whether your agreement is fixed-term or periodic before giving or responding to a notice. Ending rules and notice periods differ.
If a fixed-term agreement is ending, confirm whether the notice date, handover date and end date align. If you stay after the end date without a new fixed term, a periodic agreement may arise depending on the facts.
Mutual termination, break lease and hardship
A mutual termination should be in writing and clear about the final date, rent, keys, cleaning, bond and any money claims.
Break lease costs can depend on current Queensland rules, agreement date, reletting steps and mitigation. Hardship and domestic and family violence situations can involve different pathways and should be checked early.
Property sale and abandonment
A property sale does not automatically end every tenancy. Check any notice to leave, entry request or proposed agreement carefully.
Abandonment allegations are serious. If you receive abandonment-related correspondence and you have not abandoned the property, respond in writing and get advice quickly.
Cleaning, repairs and condition
Use the entry condition report as your benchmark. Clean thoroughly, repair tenant-caused damage where appropriate, and avoid making changes that cause further damage.
Take dated photos and videos after cleaning and before returning keys. Photograph inside cupboards, ovens, bathrooms, floors, walls, balconies, garages, lawns, meters and keys.
Exit condition report and key return
Complete the exit condition report carefully. Keep a copy, photos, cleaning receipts, final meter readings and proof of key return.
Return all keys, remotes, fobs and access devices by the agreed time. Keep written proof of how and when they were returned.
Bond refund applications
When you are ready, use the RTA bond refund process. If a claim is disputed, respond to RTA communications and prepare evidence for dispute resolution or QCAT if needed.
Final checklist
Use the moving-out checklist on the tools page to track notice, cleaning, photos, keys, meter readings, forwarding address, bond and dispute documents.
Sources and review status
Major statements on this page were reviewed against official sources on 17 July 2026. Use the source links below to confirm current law and process details before acting.
- Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland - Notices, breaches and ending agreements (external)Checked 17 July 2026
- Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland - Rental bonds (external)Checked 17 July 2026
- Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland - Queensland rental law changes (external)Checked 17 July 2026
- Residential Tenancies Authority Queensland - RTA forms (external)Checked 17 July 2026
- QSTARS - Tenancy advice and advocacy (external)Checked 17 July 2026
- Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal - Residential tenancy disputes in QCAT (external)Checked 17 July 2026
- Queensland Government - Domestic and family violence support (external)Checked 17 July 2026