A termination notice is a formal notice that you give to your tenant to end the tenancy. Termination notices must include certain information and this varies by each state/territory.
In this article, we break down how to issue a termination notice to your tenant/s and the process to end a tenancy on RentBetter.
In this Article:
When Can You Terminate The Lease?
A tenancy can typically only be terminated once the fixed-term expires, with specific reasons (grounds) as defined by your local state/territory government.
A tenancy does not automatically end when the lease expires. In most cases, if no action has been taken to formally end the lease by either the landlord/rental provider or the tenant, the tenancy will automatically roll over into a periodic (month to month) arrangement.
A termination notice must typically include the following information:
be signed and dated by the landlord/rental provider
include the address of the rented property
include both the landlord's and tenants' details
state the day the tenancy agreement will end.
include the grounds for termination.
be given with supporting documents or information, if required for the grounds.
See the links below for specific guidelines on terminating a tenancy by state/territory:
Termination Notice Requirements
Notice periods differ depending on where your property is located and why the tenancy is ending. You should check your local state/territory rules before issuing a notice.
The minimum notice periods depend on:
Lease type, e.g. Fixed-term vs Periodic
The grounds for ending the tenancy
Length of lease
How to Serve the Notice
You must deliver the notice using an approved method. Accepted methods typically include:
Hand delivery
Registered Post
Email/approved electronic platforms
Each state has rules about when a notice is considered received, which affects the termination notice calculation.
Generally, the following applies, but you should check your state or territory’s guidelines for the exact requirements, as these will vary depending on the reason for termination.
State/Territory | Minimum Notice for Fixed-Term | Minimum Notice for Periodic | Official Form to use |
60-90 days, depending on lease length. | 90 days | General Form - Click here. | |
60 days |
| Form 12 - Click here. | |
60-90 days, depending on lease length | 90 days | Notice to Vacate - Click here. | |
42 days but no more than 60 days | 42 days | General Form - Click here. | |
60 days | 60 days | Form 9 or Form 7 - Click here. | |
30 days | 60 days | Form 1C - Click here. | |
2-8 weeks, depending on the reason. | 8 weeks | N/A | |
60 days | 60 days | N/A |
Resolving Disputes
Disputes can sometimes arise during the process, including disagreements about termination, rent payments, bond claims, property condition, or other terms. Resolving issues promptly and correctly helps avoid escalation and unnecessary stress for all parties involved.
Rental Providers and tenants should try to resolve disputes together. This means they should try to reach an agreement between themselves where possible before any escalation.
Disputes about Rent, Bond and Condition of the Property
Disputes at the end of a tenancy commonly relate to the rental bond and the condition of the property. These disagreements often arise over cleaning, damage, fair wear and tear, unpaid rent, or outstanding invoices.
The ingoing and outgoing condition reports are critical evidence in any bond dispute. Without a properly completed condition report at the start of the tenancy, it can be difficult to prove deterioration or damage.
The condition report should include:
Detailed written descriptions
Clear, time-stamped photos
Signatures from both parties
You should attempt resolution first before escalating the matter - many tenancy disputes can be resolved through open communication and compromise.
Share photos and supporting evidence
Provide invoices or quotes for repairs
Communicate clearly and in writing
Try to reach an agreement on a reasonable amount
What happens if my tenant does not move out?
Typically, if a tenant does not move out by the termination date stated in a valid termination notice, you may apply to the relevant tenancy tribunal/authority for a possession (eviction) order.
A tenant cannot be forced to leave without an order and you must follow the lawful eviction process in your state or territory.
See the following pages for resolving tenancy disputes in your State/Territory:
NSW - Click here
QLD - Click here
VIC - Click here
TAS - Click here
SA - Click here
WA - Click here
ACT - Click here
NT - Click here
Issuing a Termination Notice Through RentBetter
RentBetter allows you to serve notices for your tenancy conveniently within the platform. For tenancy terminations, the correct notice template is included based on your state or territory, allowing you to generate and send the notice to your tenant in just a few clicks.
Visit the Tenancy Setup page for your tenancy
Click on the 'Actions' button at the top right
Select 'End Tenancy' from the list
Follow the prompts to set the end date, select a reason and any other required fields such as uploading supporting documents.
On the following screen, you can generate a preview of the notice document, and then sign and send it to your tenants
You can also add any comments to include in the email for the tenant. Once the notice is sent, the tenant will be notified via email and can log into their account to view and acknowledge.
Once the notice is accepted by the tenant via their RentBetter account, the tenancy payments in the platform will be updated to reflect the final amount due up to the end date.
General FAQs
Does the lease automatically end at the end of the fixed-term?
When a lease term expires, it doesn’t automatically end. In most states and territories, the lease will roll over into a periodic (month-to-month) arrangement if it isn’t renewed or formally terminated.
On RentBetter, this means that rent payments will continue on the platform unless the schedule is updated or the tenancy is ended.
How do I stop my tenants' payments on RentBetter at the end of the lease?
You can go to the ‘Tenancy setup’ page and click the ‘Actions’ button at the top right. On the next page, select ‘End Tenancy’ from the list and follow the steps to sign and submit the termination.
As a Rental Provider, can I end the lease early?
Ending a tenancy early (also referred to as 'breaking the lease') as a rental provider is only permitted in specific circumstances. You cannot end an agreement early without lawful grounds. If the tenancy is still within a fixed term (for example, a 12-month lease), you generally cannot end the lease early unless:
The tenant has breached the agreement (e.g. rent arrears, damage, illegal use)
The tenant agrees in writing to end the tenancy early
There is a specific legal ground allowed under your state legislation (such as serious hardship in limited circumstances)
A tribunal orders termination
If you want the property back for reasons such as selling or moving in, you will be required to wait until the fixed term ends unless legislation in your state allows otherwise.
Can the agreement end early if both parties agree?
Typically, both parties can agree to end a fixed-term agreement early, but it must be agreed in writing. This can happen at any time if both sides agree.
What happens if the tenant does not move out by the termination date?
If the tenant remains in the property after the termination date, you cannot force them out. You must apply to the relevant tenancy tribunal for a possession (eviction) order.
How is the tenant notified of a termination on RentBetter?
Once you submit a termination notice through RentBetter, the tenant receives an email notification and can log into their RentBetter account to view or download a copy of the notice.
Can I withdraw/edit or cancel a termination notice after sending it?
If the termination hasn’t yet been applied in RentBetter, you can cancel it directly in your account. To do this, go to the ‘Tenancy setup’ section and click on the termination at the top of the page. From there, you can either edit the termination notice and resubmit it to your tenant, or cancel it if the tenancy is continuing.
If the termination has already been applied and you need help making changes, you can contact our team via the chat or email info@rentbetter.com.au.
Does the tenant need to agree to the notice?
If you submit a valid termination that has been served with the correct notice period and for a valid reason, the termination will proceed without the tenant’s agreement. However, the platform provides a way for the tenant to acknowledge the termination and indicate agreement or disagreement, which is designed to encourage open dialogue and clear communication between both parties.
💬 Need further assistance?
Have more questions about Termination Notices? Reach out to our friendly team via the support chat or email info@rentbetter.com.au and we’ll be happy to help.