How Much Notice Does a Tenant Need to Give to Vacate in Victoria?

As a renter in Victoria, knowing how much notice to give before vacating a rental property is essential to avoid financial penalties and potential disputes with your landlord. The Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (VIC) outlines specific notice periods depending on whether you have a fixed-term or periodic lease, ensuring both tenants and landlords have enough time to adjust and plan.

In this article, we’ll explore the different notice requirements for tenants in Victoria and how using Leaso.com can streamline the process of finding a new tenant, helping you minimise costs and avoid penalties when vacating.

If you’re currently in a fixed-term lease (one with a set end date), the amount of notice you need to give depends on whether you're moving out at the natural end of the lease or breaking it early.

When your fixed-term lease is coming to an end, Victorian law requires you to give at least 28 days’ notice if you intend to vacate the property. This notice must be provided in writing to your landlord and include the date you plan to vacate.

Make sure to double-check your lease agreement for any specific conditions, but the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 sets the general rule at 28 days. Providing enough notice ensures your landlord has time to find new tenants and prevents any disputes​.

If you wish to vacate before the fixed term ends, the notice period remains 28 days, but you may also be liable for additional costs such as break fees. Break fees compensate the landlord for any lost rent and re-letting expenses. However, if you find a replacement tenant quickly, you may avoid these fees.

If you’re on a periodic lease (also called a month-to-month agreement), the notice period differs slightly.

Tenants on periodic leases must provide 28 days' notice to their landlord if they intend to vacate. This notice should be provided in writing, clearly stating the date you plan to leave the property.

Victorian law allows tenants to vacate earlier if they wish, but the landlord must be informed with a proper notice to avoid any rent obligations beyond the notice period​​.

While the 28-day notice period is the general rule, there are certain situations where tenants can vacate with reduced notice without facing penalties. These exceptions are recognised under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (VIC).

If the property becomes uninhabitable due to damage (such as from a fire or flood), tenants may provide a shorter notice period. In this case, the law allows tenants to vacate with as little as 2 days’ notice​​.

Victims of family violence can terminate their lease early without penalty by applying to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The tenant must provide evidence of the violence, such as a court order or professional statement, but once approved, the tenant can vacate with reduced notice​.

If you are moving into social housing or an aged care facility, you can provide 14 days’ notice to vacate without penalties. Proof of acceptance into such programs is required, but this allows tenants to terminate their lease early without facing any financial burden​​.

When it’s time to vacate your rental property, it’s important to follow the correct steps to avoid any financial or legal issues. Here’s a quick guide on how to provide proper notice:

The first step is to review your lease agreement. Check for any specific conditions or clauses related to giving notice, especially if you’re on a fixed-term lease. Make sure you understand any break fee provisions and whether they apply.

Your written notice should include the following:

It’s important to deliver the notice via email or registered mail to ensure it’s received and documented properly​.

If you’re breaking your lease early and want to minimise costs, one of the best ways to avoid paying break fees or ongoing rent is to find a new tenant to take over your lease. Leaso.com is the perfect platform for this, allowing you to advertise your property and connect with renters who are actively searching for new homes.

Leaso.com’s smart matching system helps you:

By finding a tenant quickly, you can reduce or avoid paying extended rent and other fees.

Failing to provide the correct notice when vacating a rental property can result in serious consequences. Here’s what could happen if you don’t follow the proper procedures:

If you vacate without providing the required notice, you may still be liable for rent until the notice period ends or until a new tenant is found. This could result in paying for weeks or even months of rent after you’ve moved out​.

Landlords can charge re-letting fees to cover the cost of advertising the property and hiring an agent to find a new tenant. These fees can range from one to two weeks' rent, depending on the situation​.

If you don’t follow the legal process, your landlord may report you to rental databases. This could damage your rental history and make it harder to secure a rental property in the future​.

Finding a new tenant quickly can make the difference between paying extra fees and exiting your rental property smoothly. That’s where Leaso.com comes in.

Here’s why Leaso.com is the best platform:

Using Leaso.com simplifies the process, saving you both time and money.

When vacating a rental property in Victoria, understanding your notice requirements is essential to avoiding penalties and ensuring a smooth transition. Whether you’re in a fixed-term or periodic lease, following the proper steps and using Leaso.com to find a replacement tenant can help you avoid unnecessary costs and ensure a hassle-free exit.