- In New South Wales tenants give 21 days notice to end a periodic lease and 14 days to end a fixed-term lease on its last day
- A rental bond is usually four weeks' rent, and breaking a fixed-term lease early makes you liable for reletting costs while the landlord must try to relet the property
- Tenancy rules differ by state, so always check your local regulator before moving.
How Difficult Is It to Shift Accommodation in Australia?
Shifting accommodation in Australia is usually straightforward if you follow your state's tenancy rules. On a periodic lease you simply give written notice, but breaking a fixed-term lease early means paying reletting costs and rent until a new tenant is found. Students in managed residences often move with shorter notice.
For most international students, changing accommodation in Australia is a routine process rather than a legal headache. The key is understanding two things: the type of lease you signed and the tenancy laws of your state or territory. On a periodic (rolling) agreement you can leave with short written notice. On a fixed-term agreement you are committed until the end date unless you formally break the lease and cover the resulting costs. Managed student residences usually follow their own contract, which often makes moving out simpler.
Studying and living in AustraliaRead →What Types of Accommodation Can You Move Between?
Australia offers six main options: short-term stays like hostels, private rentals through an agent or owner, purpose-built managed student accommodation, university-managed on-campus housing, residential colleges, and homestay with a local family. Moving between them is common, though each has different notice, bond, and contract terms you must check before shifting.
- Short-term accommodation such as hostels or serviced apartments while you look for a permanent place
- Private rentals leased through a real estate agent or directly from an owner
- Purpose-built managed student accommodation with bills usually included
- University-managed on-campus housing close to your campus
- Residential colleges on campus, often with meals and support included
- Homestay, where you live with a local family who provide a room and usually meals
How Much Notice Must You Give to Move Out?
Notice periods depend on your state and lease type. In New South Wales, tenants give 21 days to end a periodic agreement and 14 days to end a fixed-term agreement on its last day, or 14 days for an early-termination exit. Always serve notice in writing to protect your rights.
| Item (NSW / QLD 2026) | Rule or Amount | Source Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Rental bond / security deposit | Usually 4 weeks' rent | Study Australia |
| Rent paid in advance | Usually first 4 weeks | Study Australia |
| Notice to end periodic lease (NSW) | 21 days in writing | NSW Fair Trading |
| Notice to end fixed-term lease (NSW) | 14 days in writing | NSW Fair Trading |
| Breaking a fixed-term lease (QLD) | Reletting costs owed | RTA Queensland |
What Does Breaking a Fixed-Term Lease Cost?
Breaking a fixed-term lease early makes you liable for reletting costs, which usually include rent until a replacement tenant is found plus a reletting fee. The amount depends on how much of the lease remains. Your landlord or agent must mitigate the loss by trying to relet the property promptly.
Every Australian state and territory imposes a legal duty on the landlord or agent to mitigate loss. This means that once you give written notice they must actively advertise and relet the property as soon as reasonably possible, which limits how long you keep paying rent. In Queensland, for example, you end a fixed-term agreement early by lodging a written Notice of Intention to Leave and then negotiating reletting costs based on how much of the lease is left.
Best universities in AustraliaRead →How Do You Get Your Bond Back When You Shift?
Your bond is usually equal to four weeks' rent and is lodged with a state bond authority, not the landlord. When you move out, clean the property, settle any rent owed, and complete an exit condition report. If there is no damage or debt, your full bond is refunded after inspection.
Because your bond is held by an independent state authority rather than your landlord, disputes over its return go to that authority or a tribunal, not directly to the property owner. Taking dated photos at move-in and move-out and keeping your entry and exit condition reports are the simplest ways to protect your deposit when you shift accommodation.
Which Authority Handles Tenancy Disputes in Each State?
Each Australian state and territory has its own tenancy regulator: NSW Fair Trading, Queensland's Residential Tenancies Authority, Consumer Affairs Victoria, and equivalents elsewhere. They set notice periods, hold your bond, and resolve disputes through tribunals such as NCAT or QCAT. Contact the regulator in your state before you shift accommodation.
If you cannot agree with your landlord about notice, reletting costs, or your bond, you do not have to accept their decision. Free tenancy advocacy services and state tribunals exist specifically to resolve these disputes cheaply, and your visa status has no bearing on the outcome. As an international student you hold the same tenancy rights as any other renter.