How much notice for a rent increase in Queensland?

An increase during an existing Queensland general tenancy needs at least two months' written notice. A new agreement at a higher rent has no separate rent increase notice requirement. Both remain subject to the property's 12-month rule, with exceptions. (RTA rent increases, checked 21 October 2026.)

These are general tenancy rules for houses and units. Do not use them as the notice rules for rooming accommodation or public housing.

First, identify what you received

An email saying your current rent will increase on a date is different from an offer to sign another fixed-term lease. Read the attachment as well as the email. The word “renewal” alone does not tell you which rule applies.

Source: RTA rent increases and Act, s 91, checked 21 October 2026. The new rent cannot start before both the required notice period and the applicable minimum interval have been met.

What the written notice needs to say

For an existing agreement, the notice must state the increased rent, its start date and the date rent was last increased for the property. Exempt lessors do not have to include that last date. Even a fixed-term increase written into the lease needs a separate notice. (Act, s 91; RTA, checked 21 October 2026.)

Keep the original notice, envelope or email and the agreement. If something is missing, write back identifying it and ask for clarification. Avoid relying on a phone conversation you cannot later show someone.

A fictional worked example

Worked example (fictional). Mia pays A$650 a week on a periodic agreement. The agent emails an increase to A$690, starting three weeks later. Assuming the ordinary general tenancy rules apply, three weeks does not meet the two-month notice requirement. Mia keeps the email and asks QSTARS to check it before changing what she pays.

The difference is A$40 a week, or A$2,080 over 52 weeks. If the agent instead sends Mia a new fixed-term agreement to sign, she needs to check the renewal route separately rather than assume the two-month notice rule applies.

Two months means calendar months

The RTA explains that months are calendar months, not an eight-week shortcut. Its guidance also covers excluding the service day, postal delivery time and agreed electronic service. An email's receipt can depend on when it reaches the server, rather than when you open it. (RTA serving notices, checked 21 October 2026.)

If the start date is close, use that guidance with your documents and ask the RTA or QSTARS to confirm the calculation. An incorrect notice can mean the increase is not payable; get advice before withholding any part of the rent. (QSTARS rent guidance, checked 21 October 2026.)

Notice and dispute deadlines are different

For an existing-agreement notice, the QCAT application window is 30 days after receipt, and also before a fixed term ends. For an eligible new agreement, it is 30 days after entering into it. RTA dispute resolution comes first; lodge early and ask QSTARS how to protect the deadline. (Act, ss 71, 92 and 416, checked 21 October 2026.)

QSTARS offers free advice on 1300 744 263; the RTA provides information and free conciliation on 1300 366 311 (checked 21 October 2026). Compare the costs with the free Renewal Check.

RenterRescue provides general information about Queensland tenancy rules and a cost worksheet. It is not legal advice and does not consider your circumstances. Rules change; check the RTA and get free advice from QSTARS or Tenants Queensland before acting on a deadline.