Can I break my lease in the ACT, and what does it cost?

Yes, but a break fee applies: 4 or 6 weeks' rent on a lease of 3 years or less.

Your clock

• 3 weeks: Periodic notice
• 4 or 6 weeks' rent: Break fee
• Notice and proof: Family violence

The rule in the ACT

• Fee: 6 weeks' rent if under half the term has passed, otherwise 4 weeks. That is the most they can claim for ending early.
• A new tenant starting in that period reduces the fee by their rent. Capped advert costs can be added if you leave over 4 weeks early.
• No fee for aged care or social housing (14 days' notice), an undisclosed sale, family violence, affected premises, or a posting clause in your lease.

The landlord must try to relet.

What to send

I am ending my fixed term and will leave on [date]. Please start finding a new tenant.

Who to call

• Access Canberra (Office of Rental Bonds), 13 22 81
• ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT), (02) 6207 1740
• Legal Aid ACT Tenancy Advice Service, 1300 402 512

Where this comes from

• Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (ACT) ss 46A, 46B, 46D, Sch 1 cl 88, 89A, Sch 2 cl 102A

General information, not legal advice on your situation.