Your rights and responsibilities
The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) looks after the laws which protect the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords/agents.
Successful Tenancies
Some general tips for a successful tenancy include:
- paying your rent on time
- taking good care of the property
- not disturbing the peace, comfort or privacy of your neighbours
- speaking with your landlord/agent if you have any concerns with your tenancy, including changing who will be living with you
- keeping all documents about the tenancy (e.g. entry condition report, tenancy agreement, letters and receipts) together in a safe place.
You can also read:
- Pocket guide for tenants - houses and units (Form 17a)
- Pocket guide for tenants - caravan parks (Form 17b).
These booklets are given to you when you sign the tenancy agreement. The booklets are also available from the RTA and help you to better understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Tenancy agreements (leases)
Read about the different types of tenancy agreements and how they affect you.
Moving out
If you are moving out, you should:
- check your responsibilities and obligations.
Getting your rental bond back
To get your bond back, you must apply to the RTA after your tenancy has ended.
Property maintenance and cleaning
As a tenant, you are responsible for keeping the property/room clean and in good condition. Find out information about:
Resolving disputes
For information on resolving disputes, refer to legal and dispute support.
Protections for people renting experiencing domestic and family violence
If you’re experiencing domestic and family violence:
- you can leave your rental immediately, but must give 7 days’ notice and pay rent until the end of the 7 day notice period
- you will be able to access any bond contribution you made
- you won’t be liable for property damage caused due to domestic and family violence
- you can change the locks to the property without the owner’s consent to ensure your safety. You should then give the property owner/manager copies of the new keys
- you are not required to give the property owner/manager your forwarding address
- you must provide relevant evidence using the RTA’s Domestic and family violence report.
Visit Domestic and family violence – information for tenants or contact the Residential Tenancies Authority on 1300 366 311 (8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) for more information.
More information
For more information on your rights and responsibilities as a tenant, contact:
- Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) on 1300 366 311
- Legal aid
- Queensland Statewide Tenant Advice and Referral Service (QSTARS) on 1300 744 263.
Useful resources
- General tenancy fact sheets
- Information about services and support for people impacted by domestic and family violence
- Information about services and support for people impacted by sexual abuse and assault
- Domestic violence in a rental property
Help with costs
If you require financial assistance for essential goods and services to keep you safe, help is available through the Flexible Assistance Package for costs such as removalist, property damage repair, transport and white goods.
For more information about the Flexible Assistance Package and to get help with your specific circumstances or needs, contact your nearest Housing Service Centre.