How to Dispute a Rent Increase in Queensland: RTA Conciliation and QCAT

If you receive a rent increase notice in Queensland and believe the proposed amount is excessive, you have a right to dispute it through the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). Conciliation is free, and if that does not resolve it, you can escalate to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

Queensland's process is different from NSW and Victoria: you start with conciliation rather than going straight to a tribunal. This guide covers both steps.

Before you apply: check the notice is valid

Before disputing the amount, check whether the notice itself is valid. An invalid notice does not require a conciliation application: it simply does not take effect.

A valid rent increase notice in Queensland must:

• Be in writing (email is acceptable)
• State the new rent amount in dollars
• State the date the new rent takes effect
• Give at least 2 months from the date you received it

Also check the frequency rule: your landlord can only increase rent once every 12 months. This limit was changed from 6 months to 12 months in September 2023. The 12 months is measured from when the last increase took effect, not from when notice was given.

For fixed-term leases, rent can only be increased if the lease itself specifies the new amount or the calculation method. If your lease does not include this, the increase is not valid until the fixed term ends.

If the notice fails on any of these grounds, the increase is not enforceable. Contact the Residential Tenancies Authority if you are unsure. For a full summary of Queensland rent increase rules, see our Queensland rent increase rules page.

The Queensland dispute deadline: an important difference

Queensland's deadline works differently from other states. In NSW and Victoria, the 30-day window starts when you receive the notice. In Queensland, it starts when the increase takes effect.

For example: if you receive a notice on 1 June stating that rent increases on 1 August, your 30-day window to apply to the RTA runs from 1 August to 31 August.

This means you can begin gathering evidence and preparing your case before the increase takes effect, even though you cannot formally apply until the new rent starts.

When to choose disputing over negotiating

The conciliation process is not always the first step. Negotiating directly with your landlord is faster, costs nothing, and often produces a better outcome.

Consider applying to the RTA when:

• Negotiation has failed or your landlord has refused to engage
• The proposed rent is clearly above market for your suburb
• The proposed increase is large (more than 10% above current CPI or the local market median)
• You have strong comparable evidence and are confident in your position

Consider negotiating first when:

• The proposed rent is close to market median
• You want to stay long-term and preserve the relationship
• You have not yet run the numbers on your landlord's replacement cost

For the negotiation approach, see our guide to negotiating a rent increase in Australia. To check whether the proposed rent is reasonable before you decide, see is my rent increase reasonable?

Step 1: Gather your evidence

Whether you are going to conciliation or QCAT, you need evidence that the proposed rent is above market for comparable properties in your area. Gather this as soon as you receive the notice, before the increase takes effect.

Comparable current listings
Search Domain and REA for properties currently listed for rent in your suburb with the same number of bedrooms and similar features (parking, condition, proximity to transport). Take screenshots including the price, address, and listing date. Aim for at least three to five genuine comparables.

The more specific your comparables, the stronger your case. A listing for the same street at a lower rent is more persuasive than a listing for a different suburb at the same rent.

Documents to bring to conciliation or QCAT

• The original rent increase notice
• Your current tenancy agreement
• A record of your current rent and the date of the last increase (to confirm the 12-month rule was followed)
• Comparable listings (printed or saved on a device)

Step 2: Apply to the RTA for conciliation

You must apply within 30 days of the date the increase takes effect.

Apply online through the RTA website. Select the dispute resolution application form and choose the rent increase dispute category.

You will need to provide:

• Your name and contact details
• The property address
• Your landlord's name and contact details (usually the property manager)
• Your current rent and the proposed new rent
• The date the increase took effect
• A brief description of why you believe the increase is excessive

The application is free. The RTA will contact both parties and schedule a conciliation session.

Step 3: The conciliation session

RTA conciliation is conducted by phone. A conciliator (neutral RTA staff member) facilitates a conversation between you and your landlord or property manager. Both parties must agree to any outcome: conciliation is not binding unless both sides reach an agreement.

The conciliation session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. You do not need a lawyer. You can have a support person present with you.

What to do in the conciliation session

• Present your comparable evidence: the listings you gathered, noting the address, rent, bedrooms, and features of each property.
• State the specific rent you believe is reasonable and why.
• Be prepared to negotiate: conciliation works best when both parties are willing to discuss a middle ground.

If both parties reach an agreement, the conciliator will document it. The agreed rent replaces the landlord's proposed amount.

Step 4: Escalating to QCAT (if conciliation fails)

If conciliation does not produce an agreement, the RTA will issue a Notice of Unresolved Dispute. You can then apply to QCAT for a formal hearing.

At QCAT, a member (adjudicator) reviews the evidence from both parties and makes a binding decision. QCAT can:

• Dismiss the application: the proposed rent increase takes effect as notified
• Reduce the increase: QCAT sets a rent amount lower than what your landlord proposed
• Remove the increase entirely: rent stays at the current amount

QCAT cannot order rent below the amount you are currently paying.

QCAT's assessment is based on market rent for comparable properties in the area. Your landlord's mortgage costs, insurance, council rates, and other running costs are not relevant factors.

A filing fee may apply for QCAT applications. You do not need a lawyer. QCAT hearings may be held in person or by phone or video.

Queensland rent increase dispute: summary timeline

If you are also negotiating in parallel

Applying to the RTA does not prevent you from continuing to negotiate with your landlord. If you reach an agreement before the conciliation session, you can withdraw the RTA application. Landlords sometimes settle after an application is filed.

Any settlement should be confirmed in writing before you withdraw the application.

Getting help

If you want advice before applying or before a QCAT hearing, these free services can help:

• Tenants Queensland: advice line and resources on rent disputes
• Residential Tenancies Authority: general tenancy information and dispute applications
• Community legal centres: free legal advice, including some representation at QCAT