How to End Rental Agreements: Fixed-Term & Periodic Tenancies
Know the exact notice periods to end both fixed-term (not renewing) and periodic (month-to-month) agreements in Australia and New Zealand
There are two types of tenancies: fixed-term leases (e.g., 12-month agreements) and periodic tenancies (month-to-month or week-to-week arrangements). Ending each type requires different notice periods, and these vary significantly by jurisdiction. This guide shows you the exact notice periods required for both arrangement types in each location.
Key Principle: Notice Deadlines Matter
For fixed-term agreements: You do not automatically have to renew. However, you must give written notice of your intention not to renew before the agreement expires. If you miss the deadline, the agreement may automatically renew or convert to a periodic tenancy (requiring even longer notice to end).
For periodic (month-to-month) tenancies: Either party can end the agreement by giving the required notice period. This applies to ongoing tenancies with no fixed end date, or tenancies that have converted from fixed-term to periodic.
Critical: Missing the notice deadline can be very costly. You may be forced to provide additional notice before you can end the tenancy,
or the tenant may stay longer than intended. Use the tool below to find your jurisdiction's exact requirements for BOTH fixed-term and periodic tenancies.
New South Wales (NSW) – Not Renewing a Fixed-Term Agreement
| Requirement | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Notice to Not Renew |
60-90 days |
Fixed term 6 months or less: Give written notice at least 60 days before the end of the agreement.
Fixed term more than 6 months: Give written notice at least 90 days before the end of the agreement. Format: Written notice (letter, email with confirmation). Consequence of missing deadline: If notice is not given within required timeframe, the agreement will convert to a periodic (month-to-month) tenancy, and you must give 90 days' notice to end the periodic tenancy instead. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
7 days |
Required: Provide 7 days' written notice for the final inspection.
Timing: Can conduct inspection anytime during the final 7 days of the tenancy. |
Bond Claim |
As soon as possible |
Best practice: Lodge bond claim as soon as possible after tenancy ends.
Documentation: Provide itemised statement of deductions with supporting evidence. Note: While there's no strict statutory deadline for NSW bond claims, landlords must complete a mandatory survey within 14 days of claiming the bond through Rental Bonds Online. |
New South Wales (NSW) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
60 days |
When: Before the fixed-term agreement ends.
Format: Written notice (letter, email with confirmation). If you miss the deadline: Agreement converts to periodic (month-to-month) tenancy, and you must then give 90 days' notice to end it. |
Periodic Tenancy Termination |
90 days |
When: To end a month-to-month or ongoing periodic tenancy.
Format: Written notice (letter, email). Notice period runs from the end of the current rental period. Example: If you give notice mid-month on a month-to-month lease, the 90 days starts from the end of that month. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
7 days |
Required: Provide 7 days' written notice for the final inspection.
Timing: Can conduct inspection anytime during the final 7 days of the tenancy. |
Bond Claim |
30 days |
Required: Bond must be claimed (or released) within 30 days of tenancy end.
Documentation: Provide itemised statement of deductions with supporting evidence. |
Victoria (VIC) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing (Requires Valid Reason) |
90 days (typically) |
Important: VIC requires a valid reason to end a tenancy (e.g., sale, landlord moving in, demolition, change of use). Notice period is typically 90 days but varies by reason (14-90 days). Evidence requirements apply for most reasons.
Format: Written Notice to Vacate with specific reason and evidence. If you miss the deadline: Agreement converts to periodic tenancy. |
Periodic Tenancy Termination (Requires Valid Reason) |
90 days (typically) |
Important: VIC does not allow no-grounds termination. Must have a valid statutory reason (sale, landlord moving in, etc.).
Format: Written Notice to Vacate with specific reason and required evidence. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
24 hours |
Required: Provide 24 hours' written notice for the final inspection.
Timing: Can conduct during final week of tenancy with proper notice. |
Queensland (QLD) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
60 days |
When: Before the fixed-term agreement ends.
Format: Written notice (email or letter). If you miss the deadline: Agreement becomes periodic and can only be ended for a specific reason under QLD law. |
Periodic Tenancy Termination |
Varies by reason |
When: Periodic tenancies can only be ended for a specific reason ("without grounds" is not available).
Notice period: Depends on the reason. Use the RTA notice periods table for the correct timeframe. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
7 days |
Required: Provide 7 days' written notice for the final inspection.
|
Bond Refund/Claim |
As soon as possible |
Required: Lodge the bond refund/claim with the RTA as soon as the tenancy ends and amounts are agreed or itemised.
|
Western Australia (WA) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
30 days |
When: To end a fixed-term agreement, landlord must give 30 days' notice using Notice of Termination (Form 1C).
Format: Written notice (Form 1C). Note: Fixed-term agreements automatically convert to periodic when end date passes (unless tenant signs new agreement or landlord gives notice). |
Periodic Tenancy Termination |
60 days |
When: To end a periodic tenancy (no fixed end date), landlord must give 60 days' notice using Form 1C.
Format: Written Notice of Termination (Form 1C). Exception: 30 days' notice if property sold and contract requires vacant premises. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
7 days |
Required: Provide 7 days' written notice for the final inspection.
|
Bond Claim |
30 days |
Required: Bond claim must be made within 30 days of tenancy end.
|
South Australia (SA) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
60 days |
When: Before the fixed-term agreement ends.
Format: Written notice (email or letter). |
Periodic Tenancy Termination |
60 days |
When: To end a month-to-month or ongoing periodic tenancy.
Format: Written notice. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
7 days |
Required: Provide 7 days' written notice for the final inspection.
|
Bond Claim |
30 days |
Required: Bond claim must be submitted within 30 days of tenancy end.
|
Tasmania (TAS) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
42 days |
When: Serve a Notice to Vacate at least 42 days, but not more than 60 days, before the fixed-term end date.
Format: Written notice (letter or email). |
Non-Fixed Term Termination (Owner) |
14–60 days |
Standard: 42 days for sale, significant renovation, owner/family occupation, or no longer renting.
Shorter: 14 days for breach or substantial nuisance (notice is ineffective if arrears are paid within 14 days for the first two notices in 12 months). Longer: 60 days if the property is sold by a lending institution. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
24 hours |
Required: Provide at least 24 hours' written notice for entry.
|
Bond Claim |
3 working days |
Required: Owner or agent must start a claim in MyBond within 3 working days of the tenant returning the keys (or advise the tenant why they have not yet lodged a claim).
|
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
60 days |
When: Before the fixed-term agreement ends.
Format: Written notice (letter or email). |
Periodic Tenancy Termination |
21 days |
When: To end a month-to-month or ongoing periodic tenancy.
Format: Written notice. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
7 days |
Required: Provide 7 days' written notice for the final inspection.
|
Northern Territory (NT) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
60 days |
When: Before the fixed-term agreement ends.
Format: Written notice (letter or email). |
Periodic Tenancy Termination |
21 days |
When: To end a month-to-month or ongoing periodic tenancy.
Format: Written notice. |
End-of-Lease Inspection |
7 days |
Required: Provide 7 days' written notice for the final inspection.
|
Bond Claim |
30 days |
Required: Bond claim must be made within 30 days of tenancy end.
|
New Zealand (NZ) – Ending a Rental Agreement
| Agreement Type | Notice Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
Fixed-Term Not Renewing |
90 days |
When: Before the fixed-term agreement ends.
Format: Written notice (email or letter). If you miss the deadline: Tenancy automatically becomes periodic and you must give 90 days' notice to end it. |
Periodic Tenancy Termination |
90 days |
When: To end a month-to-month or ongoing periodic tenancy.
Format: Written notice. |
Final Inspection |
14 days |
Required: Provide 14 days' written notice for the final inspection.
|
Bonds & Deductions |
30 days |
Required: Return the bond or provide itemised deductions within 30 days of tenancy end.
|
Steps to End a Rental Agreement
- Check your agreement type and dates: Know whether you have a fixed-term lease (with an end date) or a periodic tenancy (month-to-month), and when you want the tenancy to end.
- Calculate the notice deadline: Use the tool above to find when you must give notice in your jurisdiction for your agreement type.
- Send written notice: Send formal written notice to the tenant before the deadline (email with confirmation is acceptable).
- Confirm receipt: Keep proof that the notice was delivered and received.
- Plan the end-of-lease steps: Schedule the final inspection, prepare bond claim documentation, and organise vacate procedures.
- Conduct end-of-lease inspection: Give required notice and conduct a full property condition check.
- Claim or release the bond: Submit itemised claim or release the bond within 30 days.
Common mistake: Failing to give notice on time. For fixed-term leases, missing the deadline can result in the tenancy automatically converting to periodic, which means longer notice periods to end it. Set calendar reminders for your notice deadline.