How to return or claim the bond at the end of the tenancy

Ensure a final inspection has been done before refunding the bond.

The purpose of the bond is as a sort of 'insurance' to make sure that the owner is not left with a financial burden of some sort at the end of the tenancy such as damage to the property, cleaning, rent left owing. 

NOTE: It is illegal for a tenant to request to use their bond money to cover a rent payment, including the final rent payment.

The process for bond and returning the bond at the end of the tenancy is different for each state but the general gist applies to all.

The bond is usually held by a state bond authority and at the end of the tenancy, can be applied for using a form or online application process once the tenants have vacated the property and handed over the keys.

Generally, both the owner and tenants need to sign off on the return of the bond. This is to ensure that neither party are left at a disadvantage. For example, if an owner attempts to claim an amount of the bond that is considered unwarranted by the tenants or the tenants attempt to claim back the bond even though they have left damage.

Western Australia (WA)

  • For general information on the process visit the WA Commerce website.
  • The Joint Application for Disposal of Security Bond needs to be completed online, printed and signed by the landlord and all tenants and then sent to the Bond Administrator by email or post (details on the form).
  • In the form the amount to be returned to the tenant and the amount to be claimed by the landlord can be stipulated if damage etc. needs to be covered. 
  • If there are missing signatories or a dispute over the bond please find information on the process for handling these here.

Victoria (VIC)

New South Wales (NSW)

  • For general information on the process visit the Fair Trading website (under 'Moving Out (includes bond)). 
  • If the bond was lodged online using Rental Bonds Online (RBO) either tenant or owner can log in to begin the bond refund process. Tenant login or owner login.
  • If your bond was not lodged online you can print and fill out the Claim for Refund of Bond Money form. You can't use the paper form if your bond was lodged on the RBO.
  • If there is a dispute over the amount of bond to be returned to the tenant, the tenant can lodge a separate Claim for Refund of Bond Money form without the owner's signature. The owner will then be issued a Notice to Claim and will have 14 days in which to contest or agree with your claim.
  • If an agreement is not made, the owner can apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) for a hearing to contest the tenant claim.

South Australia (SA)

  • For general information on the process visit the SA Gov website.
  • If the bond was lodged on Residential Bonds Online (RBO) 
  • If the bond was not lodged on the RBO website you can print and complete the bond lodgement form and return to the Consumer and Business Services (details on the form).
  • The bond can be returned by EFT (use this form) or cheque. 
  • If there is a dispute over the amount of bond to be returned/claimed by the owner registered users can dispute this through the RBO. If a dispute claim is made, the other party will be notified so they can respond. If the dispute cannot be settled or the evidence isn't sufficient the case may be referred to the South Australian Civil & Administrative Tribunal (SACAT).

Queensland (QLD)

  • For general information on the process visit the Residential Tenancies Authority(RTA) website.
  • Bond refund claims are made to the RTA using the Refund of Rental Bond (form 4). On the form each tenant and the owner's details are completed along with the amount to be returned to each. 
  • Each person inputs the bank details they would like to receive the bond refund into.
  • The form can be lodged online or by post to the RTA (details on the form)
  • If there are missing signatures the RTA will send a Notice to Claim to the individuals who didn't sign and they will have 14 days to dispute the bond claim details. Disputes are managed by the RTA (more info).

Northern Territory (NT)

  • For general information on the process visit the Consumer Affairs website
  • The NT is a little bit different in that the bond is held by the landlord/agent for the duration of the tenancy rather than an independent bond authority.
  • At the end of the tenancy the owner must refund the bond within 7 business days of the tenants vacating the property. 
  • If the owner is withholding part/all of the bond for damages or unpaid rent etc. they must advise the tenant within 7 business days of vacating the property. 
  • If the tenant does not agree with the landlord's reason for withholding bond they should discuss this directly with the landlord first and if it's unable to be resolved call Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319. 
  • Applications to resolve tenancy disputes can be made to Northern Territory Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT)

Tasmania (TAS)

  • For general information on the process visit the Consumer Affairs website.
  • If required, an owner must start a claim in MyBond within three days of receiving the keys. Once a claim is lodged, the tenant(s) will receive a notification including details of what the claim is for. A tenant can then approve or dispute the claim.
  • A tenant may make a claim if the owner has not made a claim within three working days of the tenant handing back the keys. Steps on claiming the bond via MyBond is noted here. 

ACT

  • For general information on the process visit the Tenants Act website.
  • The owner must provide the tenants with a signed Bond Claim form within 3 business days after the tenancy ends (or 10 business days if the owner is claiming for repairs etc.).
  • If the owner is claiming any part of the bond they must provide a written statement outlining the reason for the deduction with a written estimate for costs that do not have a quote or receipt. 
  • The completed and signed bond claim form can be sent to the Office of Regulatory Services by post to: GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT, 2601.
  • If there is a dispute and the tenants do not agree with the bond claim form as provided, the should not sign it but complete and lodge their own form. 
  • If the Office of Rental Bonds received a bond form that is not signed by either tenants or owner, they will notify the unsigned party who will then have 10 days to dispute the release of the bond. If a dispute is received, the matter will be referred to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.