Rent reviews are one of the most important things a property manager does for an owner, and one of the most regulated. Queensland’s rules changed in 2023 and 2024, and the details matter. Here is what owners need to know.
The 12-month rule
In Queensland, rent can only be increased once every 12 months. Since 6 June 2024, that limit applies to the property, not the tenancy. That means the 12-month clock keeps running even if the tenant, the owner or the property manager changes.
The written tenancy agreement must state the date of the last rent increase, and a tenant can ask for written evidence of it, which must be provided within 14 days.
How much notice is required
The lessor must give the tenant at least two months’ written notice of a rent increase, stating the new amount and the date it starts.
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent can only be increased if the agreement says it will increase and states the amount or how the increase is worked out. If it does not, the rent stays the same until the fixed term ends.
Is there a cap?
There is no percentage or dollar cap on how much rent can increase in Queensland. However, a tenant can challenge an increase they believe is excessive. They first try the RTA’s dispute resolution service, and can then apply to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) within 30 days of receiving the notice.
Setting the right rent
Because increases are limited to once a year, getting the figure right matters more than ever. A good rent review looks at:
- Comparable properties currently leasing nearby, not just asking prices
- The condition of your property and any improvements since the last review
- How long the current tenant has been there and their payment history
- The cost of a vacancy if a tenant leaves over a large increase
For context, Residential Tenancies Authority bond data shows the median weekly rent for new Sunshine Coast tenancies (all dwellings) was $740 in the September 2026 quarter, up from $695 a year earlier. Your property may sit well above or below that figure, which is why a property-specific review matters.
What this means for owners
- Diary the date of your last increase: the next one cannot take effect for 12 months, even if your tenant changes
- Give at least two months’ written notice, and check your lease before increasing during a fixed term
- Base increases on current comparable rents, so they are fair and easier to sustain if challenged
How Barker West handles it
Rent reviews are one of the 10 key commitments in the Barker West Standard: every 12 months, against current market data, with a clear recommendation before anything is sent to your tenant. Read the Barker West Standard.
Want to know what your property should be renting for? Request a free rental appraisal.
This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. Rules change, so check the RTA or talk to us about your property.