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How to Increase Your Rent Without Losing Good Tenants
How to Increase Your Rent Without Losing Good Tenants
19 May 2025

Rents are rising — but so is tenant fatigue.
As a landlord, it’s natural to want to maximise your income, especially in a market like Brisbane where demand is strong. But increasing rent the wrong way — or at the wrong time — can backfire fast.

 

Here’s how to approach rent increases strategically, so you boost returns and keep your best tenants.

 

1. Know What the Market’s Doing

Before you touch the numbers, get the data.
Are similar properties in your area renting for more?
Is vacancy low? Are incentives being offered?

At Lowrey, we do monthly market scans and rent appraisals by suburb — because guessing is what bad managers do.

 

2. Timing Is Everything

The best time to raise rent is when:

  • A lease is up for renewal

  • The property is in high demand

  • You’ve recently improved the home (e.g. air con, painting, fencing)

The worst time? Mid-lease, during a maintenance dispute, or without enough notice (in QLD, that’s minimum 60 days in writing).

 

3. Consider the Cost of Vacancy

Getting an extra $20/week is great — unless it comes with a 3-week vacancy.
That’s $60 gained vs. $1,200 lost.

This is why we approach rent reviews with balance: data + tenant relationship. Long-term gain always beats short-term cash grab.

 

4. Communicate Like a Pro

Good tenants appreciate transparency.
We draft rent increase letters that:

  • Explain the market

  • Highlight the improvements or changes

  • Show appreciation

  • Offer options (renewal bonuses, longer lease incentives, etc.)

It’s not just about the number. It’s about how it’s delivered.

 

5. Not Sure What to Charge?

We’ll give you a tailored rent review — no fluff, no sales pitch. Just clear, current, suburb-specific advice on what your investment should be earning.

 

 

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How to Increase Your Rent Without Losing Good Tenants
19 May 2025

Rents are rising — but so is tenant fatigue.
As a landlord, it’s natural to want to maximise your income, especially in a market like Brisbane where demand is strong. But increasing rent the wrong way — or at the wrong time — can backfire fast.

 

Here’s how to approach rent increases strategically, so you boost returns and keep your best tenants.

 

1. Know What the Market’s Doing

Before you touch the numbers, get the data.
Are similar properties in your area renting for more?
Is vacancy low? Are incentives being offered?

At Lowrey, we do monthly market scans and rent appraisals by suburb — because guessing is what bad managers do.

 

2. Timing Is Everything

The best time to raise rent is when:

  • A lease is up for renewal

  • The property is in high demand

  • You’ve recently improved the home (e.g. air con, painting, fencing)

The worst time? Mid-lease, during a maintenance dispute, or without enough notice (in QLD, that’s minimum 60 days in writing).

 

3. Consider the Cost of Vacancy

Getting an extra $20/week is great — unless it comes with a 3-week vacancy.
That’s $60 gained vs. $1,200 lost.

This is why we approach rent reviews with balance: data + tenant relationship. Long-term gain always beats short-term cash grab.

 

4. Communicate Like a Pro

Good tenants appreciate transparency.
We draft rent increase letters that:

  • Explain the market

  • Highlight the improvements or changes

  • Show appreciation

  • Offer options (renewal bonuses, longer lease incentives, etc.)

It’s not just about the number. It’s about how it’s delivered.

 

5. Not Sure What to Charge?

We’ll give you a tailored rent review — no fluff, no sales pitch. Just clear, current, suburb-specific advice on what your investment should be earning.