The Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) says it's become common practice for prospective tenants, often from interstate, to offer above the asking price or payments in advance to secure rental properties.

But some landlords have been caught out when tenants break their pre-paid leases early and ask for the large lump sums back.

Agents say it's important to take tenants based on their merit and not to start setting budgets on over-inflated rent.

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