What counts as an excessive rent increase in Queensland?

Queensland has no automatic percentage or dollar test that makes a rent increase excessive. QCAT considers comparable market rents, the proposed and current rent, the property's condition, the tenancy term and time since the last increase, plus relevant circumstances. (Act, ss 71 and 92, checked 21 October 2026.)

This page covers general residential tenancies. It does not determine whether your particular increase is excessive.

A large percentage is a starting point

An increase from A$500 to A$550 is 10%. From A$800 to A$850 it is 6.25%. Both add A$50 a week. The percentage describes the change; it cannot answer how the proposed rent compares with similar homes.

For an increase notice, QCAT must also consider any relevant connection to minimum housing standards work or approval for a pet or working dog. Section 91 separately limits whether increases related to those matters are payable. (Act, ss 91–92, checked 21 October 2026.)

Gather evidence that answers the factors

Start with a small set of close comparisons. Record property type, location, bedrooms, bathrooms, parking, condition and inclusions. Explain differences both ways: a renovated kitchen may favour the other property, while your secure parking may favour yours.

An advertised asking rent is not proof of the rent ultimately agreed. Label it accurately and record when you saw it. A general area statistic also cannot show whether your home has the same features as the homes behind the figure. Our guide to genuinely comparable rentals walks through that work.

Add your current agreement, the increase notice or renewal, the rent history, and dated repair requests and replies. Organise the material against QCAT's factors rather than sending a pile of unrelated screenshots. The factors themselves come from Act, ss 71(6) and 92(5)–(6), checked 21 October 2026.

A fictional worked example

Worked example (fictional). Priya's periodic rent is A$600 and the proposed rent is A$660: 10% more, or A$3,120 over 52 weeks. She finds three nearby two-bedroom units advertised at A$620, A$640 and A$680. The A$680 unit has an extra bathroom and a recent renovation; the A$620 unit has no parking. Her own unit has parking and an unresolved leak.

Those differences matter to the comparison. Simply averaging the three asking prices would hide them. Priya records the features, dates and repair correspondence, then asks for advice. Nothing in this invented example establishes the rent QCAT would set.

Timing can matter before the evidence is finished

The notice route under s 92 concerns an increase you believe is excessive or not payable under s 91; after entering a qualifying subsequent agreement, s 71 concerns a significant change, including rent, that you consider unreasonable. For an increase notice under an existing agreement, the QCAT window is within 30 days after receipt and, for a fixed term, before it ends. For an eligible subsequent agreement under s 71, it is within 30 days after entering into that agreement. That route requires the same premises, a later agreement starting after the old one ends, and at least one continuing tenant. (Act, ss 71 and 92, checked 21 October 2026.)

RTA dispute resolution comes first. Lodge Form 16 early, keep proof, and ask QSTARS how to protect the QCAT deadline. Do not wait until every comparison is perfect or assume conciliation gives you extra time. The RTA service is free and impartial; it seeks agreement rather than deciding the rent. (Act, s 416, checked 21 October 2026.)

Separate the budget question

What you can afford and what QCAT may decide are different questions. Use the free Renewal Check to compare staying, negotiating and moving costs. For advice about evidence or deadlines, QSTARS is free on 1300 744 263; contact the RTA on 1300 366 311 for tenancy information (checked 21 October 2026).

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.