Last reviewed: 13 October 2026. Gold City Realty, Charters Towers and Townsville.
Queensland's rules on rent increases have changed twice in recent years: first on 1 July 2023, and again on 6 June 2024. This guide explains the rules that apply today for general residential tenancies (houses and units), in plain English.
How often can rent be increased?
Rent can only be increased once every 12 months. Since 6 June 2024, this limit applies to the property, not to the individual tenancy.
This means the 12 months are counted from the last rent increase for that property, even if:
- the previous increase was under a different tenancy agreement or with different tenants;
- the property has changed owner;
- the property has changed property manager.
Increasing rent sooner than allowed is an offence.
The date of the last rent increase must be on the agreement
Written tenancy agreements must state the date of the last rent increase for the property. Tenants can ask in writing for proof of that date, and the property manager or owner must provide it within 14 days.
How much notice is required?
For general tenancies, the tenant must receive at least two months' notice in writing of a rent increase. For a fixed-term agreement, an increase written into the agreement still needs a separate written notice.
Can rent be increased sooner because of hardship?
Only with permission. An owner or property manager can apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for permission to increase rent within 12 months on the grounds of undue hardship. QCAT considers what the tenant says about affordability and their ability to keep paying rent.
What if a tenant thinks the increase is too high?
A tenant can dispute an increase they consider excessive. This must be done within 30 days of receiving the notice, and QCAT looks at factors such as market rents for similar properties and the condition of the property.
Other rent rules introduced on 6 June 2024
- No rent bidding: prospective tenants cannot offer more than the advertised rent to secure a property, and agents and owners cannot invite or accept such offers.
- Limits on rent in advance: at the start of a new tenancy, no more than two weeks' rent in advance can be requested for a periodic agreement, or one month for a fixed-term agreement.
What this means for landlords
Before planning a rent review, check the date of the last increase for the property, not just for the current tenancy. If you have recently bought a rental property, ask for this date at settlement.
If your rental property is in Townsville, read about our property management service in Townsville.
Need help?
If you own a rental property in Charters Towers or Townsville and would like advice on rent reviews, contact Gold City Realty:
- Charters Towers: (07) 4401 5077
- Townsville: 0404 431 780
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Official sources
- Residential Tenancies Authority, Rent: rta.qld.gov.au/rent
- RTA, rental law changes from 6 June 2024: rta.qld.gov.au/rental-law-changes
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. The Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld) is the primary source of the law. Always check the RTA website for the latest rules.
