How Much Does It Cost to Break a Lease?

Breaking a fixed-term lease early usually costs between one and four weeks' rent in NSW, where break fees are set by law. In most other states there's no set fee. Instead you pay the landlord's actual losses: rent until a new tenant moves in, plus advertising and a share of the re-letting fee. On a $600-a-week rental, that's often $1,000 to $3,000 all up.

Here's what you'll pay in your state, when you pay nothing, and how to keep the cost down.

What it costs to break a lease, by state

NSW: What you pay: A set break fee for most fixed terms under 3 years: 4 weeks' rent if less than 25% of the term has passed, 3 weeks if 25% to 50%, 2 weeks if 50% to 75%, 1 week if 75% or more. Penalty-free exits include: Family violence, an offer of social housing or aged care, the property being sold without you being told beforehand.
VIC: What you pay: Lost rent until it's re-let, reasonable advertising costs and a re-letting fee. Penalty-free exits include: Family violence, severe hardship (via VCAT), moving into social housing or care.
QLD: What you pay: Lost rent until it's re-let, advertising costs and a re-letting fee. Penalty-free exits include: Family violence (7 days' notice), unfit premises, the property being advertised for sale within 2 months of signing without your knowledge.
WA: What you pay: Lost rent until it's re-let, reasonable advertising costs and a re-letting fee. Penalty-free exits include: Family violence (at least 7 days' notice), undue hardship.
SA: What you pay: Lost rent, advertising and re-letting costs. Penalty-free exits include: Unfit premises, the property being advertised for sale within 2 months of signing without your knowledge.
TAS: What you pay: Lost rent and re-letting costs such as advertising. Penalty-free exits include: Unfixed repairs after 28 days' notice, family violence order.
ACT: What you pay: Lost rent, capped at 25 weeks' rent or the rest of the term, plus re-letting and advertising costs capped at 1 week's rent. Penalty-free exits include: Significant hardship, family violence (via ACAT).
NT: What you pay: Lost rent, reasonable advertising costs and a re-letting fee. Penalty-free exits include: Undue hardship, family violence (via NTCAT).

Source: CHOICE: How to break a rental lease. Tenancy laws change often, so check with your state's fair trading or tenancy authority before you give notice.

In every state, your landlord has to try to find a new tenant quickly to keep their losses down. They can't leave the property empty and charge you rent until the lease ends.

Worked examples

NSW: You rent at $600 a week on a 12-month lease and leave after 4 months. That's 33% of the term, so the break fee is 3 weeks' rent: $1,800.

Queensland, Victoria or WA: You rent at $550 a week with 6 months left, and the property is re-let after 2 weeks. You might pay:

Lost rent for 2 weeks: $1,100
Share of the re-letting fee (half of one week's rent, plus GST): $303
Advertising: $200
Total: $1,603

An illustrative example only. Your costs depend on your lease, your agent's fees and how quickly the property is re-let.

How to break a lease and pay less

Read your lease for a break clause or set fee.
Tell your agent in writing as early as possible. More notice means less time empty.
Help find a replacement tenant. Many agents accept a suitable applicant you refer, which can save weeks of lost rent.
Ask whether a lease transfer is possible, where a new tenant takes over your lease.
Leave the property spotless and complete your exit condition report, so nothing comes out of your bond.
Check every charge. Advertising and re-letting costs must be reasonable and match what was actually spent.

Don't forget the cost of moving

The break cost is often the smaller part. You may also need a new bond of up to four weeks' rent (one month in Victoria), rent in advance, removalists and connection fees. For a short time you might be paying for two places at once.

If you're on a low income, your state may offer an interest-free bond loan. See our guides for NSW, Queensland, Victoria and WA.

If you still need help covering a move, Jingle's rent and bond loans range from $500 to $10,000, with no early repayment fees. Only borrow if the repayments fit your budget. Approval is not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to break a lease in NSW?

For most fixed-term leases under three years, between one and four weeks' rent, depending on how much of the lease has passed.

What happens if you break a lease in Queensland?

There's no set fee. You usually pay rent until a new tenant moves in, plus reasonable advertising and re-letting costs.

Can I break my lease without paying anything?

In some situations, yes. Family violence, unfit premises and certain sale or hardship situations can let you end a lease without penalty. The rules differ by state.