Renting on the Sunshine Coast 2026: Costs, Bond and Your Tenant Rights Explained

Sunshine Coast Rental Market Overview

The Sunshine Coast has experienced sustained rental pressure since the pandemic-era migration surge. In mid-2026, median weekly rents are approximately $650-730 for houses and $510-560 for units. Noosa Heads and Noosaville remain among Queensland's most expensive rental markets, while Caloundra, Maroochydore, and Mooloolaba sit in the middle range.

More Affordable Areas

Nambour, Coolum Beach, Dicky Beach, Landsborough, and hinterland towns like Maleny and Montville offer better rental value. The rapidly growing northern corridor around Aura (Caloundra South) and Sippy Downs has added new rental stock.

Tenant Rights (Queensland)

All Sunshine Coast rentals are covered by the Queensland Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008:

• Bond: Maximum 4 weeks rent; lodged with the RTA (rta.qld.gov.au).
• Rent increases: 12 months between increases; 2 months notice required.
• Pets: Landlords must have reasonable grounds to refuse.
• Entry: 24 hours minimum notice.
• Urgent repairs: Water, electricity, security, must be fixed promptly.

Finding a Rental

realestate.com.au and Domain cover the main listings. Local agencies like Henzells and Amber Werchon Property have strong Sunshine Coast coverage. Private rentals appear on Facebook Marketplace. Competition is intense, have all application documents ready before inspecting.

Getting Help

The RTA Dispute Resolution Service (1300 366 311) is free and effective. Tenants Queensland (tenantsqld.org.au) offers free legal advice.

This article was compiled by AI and screened before publishing. See our editorial standards.