Rent increases in Queensland.

In Queensland, rent on a general tenancy can be increased no more than once every 12 months, and since 2024 that limit is tied to the property, not the tenancy or owner. Tenants must get at least 2 months written notice. Rules can change, so check the Residential Tenancies Authority for the current position.

How often rent can rise

For general tenancies, the law limits rent increases to once every 12 months. You cannot raise the rent again until at least 12 months have passed since the last increase. This is a change from earlier years when increases could happen more often, so it is worth confirming the date of the last increase before planning a new one.

The 12-month limit follows the property

Since 2024, the minimum 12-month gap between increases attaches to the premises rather than to a particular tenant or owner. In practice that means a new tenancy, or a change of owner, does not reset the clock. When buying an investment property, ask when the rent was last increased, as it affects when you can next adjust it.

The notice you must give

A rent increase requires at least 2 months written notice to the tenant, given in the approved form. The increase cannot take effect earlier than that notice period, and not before any minimum period in the agreement. Getting the form and timing right matters; an invalid notice does not take effect.

Fixed-term versus periodic agreements

During a fixed term, rent can only be increased if the agreement specifically allows it and states the amount or how it will be worked out. If the agreement does not provide for an increase, the rent generally stays the same until the fixed term ends. On a periodic (rolling) agreement, the standard notice and 12-month rules apply.

How a manager handles increases

A property manager tracks when each property was last increased, benchmarks the rent against current local market data, issues a compliant notice with the correct timing, and weighs an increase against the risk of losing a good tenant. Done well, it keeps your rent at market without unnecessary vacancy. See what a property manager does.

This guide is general information only, current as of 2026, and not legal advice. Queensland tenancy rules can change. Always check the current requirements with the Residential Tenancies Authority (rta.qld.gov.au) before issuing a notice.

Common questions