How to Break a Lease Early in Australia: Costs and Your Options
Last updated: June 2026
What Does Breaking a Lease Mean?
Breaking a lease means ending a fixed-term residential tenancy before the end date. Because the lease is a binding contract, you are generally liable for costs the landlord incurs as a result.
What You May Have to Pay
Reletting costs — advertising, agent's reletting fee (often 1–2 weeks' rent), and costs of open homes.
Rent until re-let — you are liable for rent until a new tenant moves in or until the lease end date, whichever is sooner. The landlord has a duty to mitigate by actively seeking a new tenant — they cannot simply leave the property empty and claim all remaining rent.
Break Fees by State
Some states impose a fixed break fee rather than actual costs:
| State | Break fee approach |
|---|---|
| NSW | Actual costs only (reletting + rent until re-let) |
| VIC | Lease break fee: approx. 1 month's rent per remaining year, reducing |
| QLD | Actual costs only |
| WA | Fixed fee depending on how far into the lease (up to 6 weeks early on) |
| SA | Calculated on remaining term and stage |
| ACT | Absolute liability fee based on time remaining |
| NT | Actual costs only |
Always check your lease and the relevant state tenancy authority for current figures.
Breaking a Lease Without Penalty
You may be able to exit a lease without paying break costs in these circumstances:
- Landlord's breach: If the landlord has failed their obligations (e.g., urgent repairs not fixed), apply to the tribunal to terminate the lease
- Family violence: Every state has fast-track provisions allowing victims of family violence to end a tenancy with minimal or no penalty
- Uninhabitable property: If the property is destroyed or becomes unliveable through no fault of yours
How to Minimise Costs
- Give as much notice as possible
- Help find a replacement tenant where the lease permits
- Leave the property in good condition to speed reletting
- Keep all communications in writing
Key Points
- You are liable for reletting costs and rent until the property is re-let
- The landlord must actively seek a new tenant — they cannot claim all remaining rent
- Some states cap the break fee; others calculate on actual loss
- Family violence provisions allow early termination without penalty in every state