lease end QLD. bond return, RTA process, QCAT disputes.
your rights under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld). what to do at move-out, how to get your bond back, and what happens if your landlord disputes.
the law: Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld)
regulator
Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
bond holds
RTA holds all QLD rental bonds centrally
disputes
RTA conciliation → QCAT if unresolved
notice periods — QLD
under the RTRA 2008 (Qld). all references are to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008.
| scenario | notice |
|---|---|
| tenant ends fixed-term at expiry | 2 weeks |
| tenant ends periodic tenancy | 2 weeks |
| landlord ends tenancy (no-grounds, periodic) | 2 months |
| mutual agreement to end early | negotiated |
| hardship application to QCAT | QCAT order |
* this is general information, not legal advice. always refer to the full RTRA 2008 or seek legal advice for specific situations.
bond refund process — step by step
the RTA holds your bond centrally. here is how to get it back.
exit condition report
complete the exit condition report at move-out. photograph every room with timestamp. attach photos to the report. keep copies.
submit bond refund via RTA
both tenant and landlord must submit a bond refund form on the RTA website (rta.qld.gov.au). if landlord agrees, bond is released within 3–5 business days.
if landlord disputes
the RTA will contact both parties for conciliation. if unresolved within 5 business days, either party can escalate to QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal).
QCAT hearing
QCAT is Queensland's low-cost tribunal for tenancy disputes. you can self-represent. hearings are typically scheduled within 4–6 weeks. bring your condition reports, photos, and receipts.
practical tips to protect your bond
QLD-specific: body corporate common areas
if you live in a Body Corporate building, check that communal areas (corridors, lifts, car parks) were not damaged during your removal. Body Corporate managers can raise a claim against your bond for damage to common areas. minougo removalists are trained on BC building rules — they carry protective equipment for lifts and corridors.
QLD lease end — common questions
how do I get my bond back in Queensland?
submit a bond refund form on the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) website at rta.qld.gov.au. both you and your landlord need to agree. if the landlord disputes within 5 days, the RTA will contact both parties for conciliation. if unresolved, either party can apply to QCAT. submit your exit condition report and timestamped photos as evidence.
how much notice does a tenant need to give in QLD?
if ending a fixed-term tenancy at expiry: 2 weeks notice. if ending a periodic tenancy: 2 weeks notice. if ending a fixed-term early, this requires landlord agreement or a QCAT hardship application. under the RTRA 2008 (Qld), landlords must give at least 2 months notice to end a periodic tenancy without grounds.
what is QCAT and how does it handle rental disputes?
QCAT (Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal) is Queensland's low-cost tribunal for civil and tenancy disputes. you can self-represent. hearings are typically scheduled within 4–6 weeks of application. the cost of filing is minimal. QCAT can order bond release, compensation, or other remedies. bring condition reports, photos, receipts, and email evidence.
what is the RTA in Queensland?
the RTA (Residential Tenancies Authority) is the QLD government body that regulates private rental housing under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (Qld). the RTA holds all rental bonds centrally, provides dispute resolution, and offers free tenancy advice. visit rta.qld.gov.au for forms and information.
do I need to do a condition report when moving out in Brisbane?
yes — the exit condition report is mandatory under the RTRA 2008. you must complete it at move-out and compare it to the entry condition report. photograph every room, every appliance, and every area with a timestamp. for Queenslander properties, include under-house storage and external areas. this report is your primary evidence if there is a bond dispute.