Landlords – Ending a tenancy process

Steps to take at the end of a tenancy - Landlords

When a tenancy is coming to an end, there are certain things to do as a landlord– before, and on, the final day of the tenancy.

Step 1

Give or receive notice to end the tenancy

Periodic: If you are ending a periodic tenancy, you’ll need to give the proper written notice to the tenants. The length of notice depends on the type of tenancy and your reason for ending it.

You can receive notice to end a tenancy from a tenant. They must give you at least 21 days’ written notice.

Fixed-term: A fixed-term tenancy cannot end early except in limited circumstances or when the parties agree.

Notice to end a periodic tenancy can be given on any day of the week, to end the tenancy on any day of the week. It must include specific details about the tenancy and landlords must include a reason for ending the tenancy.

If you are selling a rental property, you may not need to end the tenancy as you can sell it as a tenanted property.

Although generally tenants must give you at least 21- days’ notice, there are some exceptions such as if a tenant is experiencing family violence.

Find out what notice you need to give

Ending a periodic tenancy

Ending a fixed-term tenancy early

Selling a rental property

Mortagee sale

Step 2

Talk with tenants about the process, final rent and utilities

Talk to your tenants about what’s expected in terms of their final rent and cancelling any other utilities. Inspect the property a few weeks before the final day of the tenancy, this will give you the chance to ask the tenant to sort out any issues before the final day.

Let your tenants know (in writing) how much rent they still need to pay, what their responsibilities are at the end of the tenancy – such as removing their belongings and rubbish and cleaning the property – and that there will be a final inspection before the bond is refunded. This is also a good time to remind them to cancel any services they have set up such as internet or electricity.

If you are selling your property you must get the tenants permission to show potential buyers through the house.

Selling the property

Step 3

Organise and have a final inspection

You should arrange a time for a final property inspection with the tenant. If possible, this should happen once the tenant has moved all their belongings out and finished cleaning the property.

If you can’t do the inspection together, you should each do your own. It’s a good idea to take photos, in case there are any disputes over the condition of the property later.

Take copies of tenancy documents with you to the final inspection. These should include:

bond refund form
tenancy agreement
initial property inspection report
rent summary.

If the tenant leaves any items behind, photograph them and make a detailed list. Follow the correct procedure for dealing with abandoned goods.

Allow time between tenancies for carrying out maintenance and any extra cleaning you may need to do.

Inspections

Step 4

Arrange refund of the bond

If the inspection shows everything is in order, complete the bond refund form and send it to Tenancy Services to be processed. You must sign the form, along with all tenants on the bond record. If there’s unpaid rent or other outstanding costs, you’ll need to agree with the tenant for the bond to be reduced accordingly.

Only sign the bond refund form if you agree with what’s written on it. You shouldn’t ask a tenant to sign a blank form.

Find out more about the bond refund process

If you disagree with the tenant, first try to talk to them and come to an agreement between yourselves.

If you still can’t agree there are different options for managing the dispute.

Disputes

If the tenant moves out and leaves some things behind, you will need to follow the process for dealing with abandoned goods.

Abandoned goods

What's next

Next steps

Once the tenant has moved out and the bond refund has been completed, that is the end of the tenancy. If you have any further issues, you should find out how best to deal with these disputes.

Last updated: 30 January 2025