The end of a lease comes with more deadlines than most people expect. You need to give notice, get everything out, clean the property, return the keys, complete an exit condition report and then get your bond back. If the timing of the removal doesn’t fit around the rest, the whole process becomes a lot more stressful than it needs to be.
At Wecube Removals, rental moves are a big part of what we do across Brisbane and the Gold Coast. This guide covers the Queensland process in plain English and how to plan your move around it.
This is general information only, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the current details with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) for your situation.
How Much Notice Do I Need to Give to End a Lease in QLD?
In Queensland, tenants give notice using the RTA’s Notice of intention to leave (Form 13). Notice must be in writing.
For a general tenancy where you’re leaving without grounds, the minimum notice periods are:
- Periodic agreement: 14 days
- Fixed-term agreement: the later of 14 days or the day the agreement ends
You can agree on an earlier date with your property manager or owner, but that agreement should be in writing. When you work out your dates, don’t count the day you give the notice. If you’re sending it by post, allow time for it to arrive.
When Should I Book Removalists at the End of My Lease?
As soon as you know your move-out date. For a local move, we recommend booking two to four weeks ahead. The end of the month is one of the busiest times for removalists, because so many leases end at the same time. Our Brisbane removalists and Gold Coast removalists can plan your move date around your lease.
If you can, move out a day or two before you’re due to hand back the keys. Trying to move, clean and return the keys on the same day is where things usually go wrong. Cleaning is much easier once the furniture has gone and you can see every wall and the floor under the bed.
What Is an Exit Condition Report in Queensland?
The exit condition report records the condition of the property when you leave. For houses, units and townhouses on a general tenancy, it’s the Exit condition report (Form 14a).
It’s compared with the entry condition report from the start of your tenancy, to see whether the property is in the same condition apart from fair wear and tear. That’s why your entry report, and any photos you took when you moved in, matter so much at the end.
The RTA sets out this process when the tenant and property manager complete the report separately:
- The tenant removes their belongings and thoroughly cleans the property.
- The tenant completes the exit condition report and gives it to the property manager or owner when returning the keys.
- The property manager or owner inspects the property, adds their comments and signs the report.
- They send a completed copy back to the tenant within three business days.
The RTA also recommends taking photos, and recording the meter reading on both the entry and exit reports.
How Do I Get My Full Bond Back in Queensland?
Under Queensland tenancy law, you need to leave the property in the same condition it was in at the start of the tenancy, less fair wear and tear. In practice, that means:
- Clean thoroughly, including inside cupboards, ovens, windows and bathrooms.
- Repair any damage you’ve caused, such as holes from hooks or marks on walls.
- Return every key, remote and access card.
- Take dated photos of every room after cleaning, and keep your cleaning receipts.
- Go through your entry condition report room by room and compare.
Once the tenancy has ended, either you or the property manager can lodge a bond refund request through RTA Web Services, or on the paper Refund of rental bond (Form 4). The RTA can’t accept a refund request before your notice period has expired. If you and the property manager agree on how the bond is paid out, one of you can start the request online and the other can approve a fast-track refund. If the property manager makes a claim on your bond, they must give you supporting evidence within 14 days.
Before you lodge, check that the RTA has your correct forwarding address, contact details and bank account.
Protecting the Property on Moving Day
Moving day is when walls, door frames and floors are most at risk. Good removalists protect the property as well as your furniture. Our crews wrap furniture, take care in tight hallways and on stairs, and plan the move around the access at both addresses.
If you live in an apartment, remember to book the service lift for your move-out date as well as your move-in date. Your building may also need our certificate of currency, which we can supply.
Your Rental Moving Timeline
For the full list of who to notify and when, see our Queensland moving house checklist. For rental moves specifically, a simple timeline looks like this:
- Three to four weeks out: give notice using Form 13 and book your removalist.
- Two weeks out: find your entry condition report and photos, and book any professional cleaning.
- One week out: confirm your moving time and your key return date with your property manager.
- Move day: load up and move to your new home.
- Clean-up days: clean, repair small marks and take photos.
- Key day: hand in the exit condition report and keys, then lodge your bond refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my full bond back in Queensland?
Leave the property in the same condition as when you moved in, apart from fair wear and tear. Clean thoroughly, repair any damage you caused, return all keys and take photos. Your exit condition report is compared with your entry report, so keep both.
When should I book removalists at the end of my lease?
Book as soon as you know your move-out date, ideally two to four weeks ahead. Plan to move a day or two before your key return date so you have time to clean the empty property.
What is an exit condition report in Queensland?
It’s a form that records the property’s condition when you leave. For a general tenancy, it’s Form 14a. You complete it and give it to the property manager with the keys, and they return a signed copy within three business days.
How much notice do I need to give to end a lease in QLD?
For a periodic agreement, the minimum is 14 days. For a fixed-term agreement, it’s the later of 14 days or the day the agreement ends. Notice must be given in writing using the Notice of intention to leave (Form 13).
Our home removals service covers everything from a one-bedroom unit to a family home. Moving out of a rental? Request a free quote or call our team on 0423 690 837.