What is Bond Back Money?
A tenant resident has a contract which is a formal agreement between the landlords and the tenants or real estate brokers. We are obligated to keep the house in good repair and must deposit a certain sum of money as a pledge when we sign an arrangement. In most situations, we’ll need to set down a month’s rent as a deposit.
Landlords and real estate brokers also request the entire deposit and they send you a copy of the signed agreement to your email address.
However, if the landlord approves, we will put the money down on a monthly basis in the residential tenancies agreement.
Why do we continue to put a deposit?
You may be wondering why, in the first instance, we need to deposit the funds. The solution is straightforward The money serves as a promise for the landlord or agent. Furthermore, the house must be restored to its original condition. As a result, we are obligated to finish the end of lease cleaning.
If there are some problems during the move out phase—cleaning issues, renovations, or outstanding charges—the owner or property managers can use this money to finish the remaining jobs and may submit a bond back refund form to the respective fair trading regarding the damages.
It’s no surprise that some of the most common disputes arise over these very issues—cleaning costs, repair costs, or disagreements about unpaid rent or bills. Landlords must show that there is a genuine problem needing attention, and more importantly, demonstrate that the tenant is responsible for it. All too often, claims made during the tribunal process lack the evidence needed to back them up.
Some rental providers and real estate agents may even see it as routine to make a claim for every small issue, regardless of merit. This means it’s wise for tenants to take precautions—documenting the property’s condition and keeping records—to help protect themselves if the bond becomes disputed after moving out. As the old saying goes, there’s little to stop the flies from being drawn to the honey, so it pays to be prepared.
If there are some problems during the move out phase cleaning issues, renovations, or outstanding charges the owner or property managers can use this money to finish the remaining jobs and may submit a bond back refund form to the respective fair trading regarding the damages.
Where is the deposit of the bond money?
We think about the next question does the landlord hold bond capital alone?
The reply is NO.
You would pay the money into the account of Fair Trade NSW. The landlords can usually deposit within 10 days. If the bond money is transferred to an immovable agent, it must be deposited by the end of the month.
You may also like to read: ” How To Avoid Unfair Deductions From Tenancy Bonds? “
In order to obtain the instalment, we need to consult the Fair Trade mechanism in detail if mishandled inappropriately a notice of claim can be issued by the tenant for a bond claim.
Across different states and territories, processes and timelines can vary. For instance:
- ACT: If the agent or landlord claims deductions, they will issue a separate notice detailing how much is claimed. The tenant then has 14 days to respond in writing to initiate a dispute, which will be referred to if unresolved.
- Southern Australia: If a landlord claims a bond amount without the tenant’s consent, the tenant is notified of the claim—including information about the claim and the final date to respond—and given an opportunity to dispute it. Should the tenant not respond, the landlord is required to provide supporting evidence; insufficient evidence may result in refusal of the claim, and the matter could proceed to the.
- Northern Territory: Agents or landlords wishing to claim on a tenant’s bond must advise the tenant in writing within seven days of the tenant vacating the property. Any claims are to be substantiated with receipts or quotes demonstrating the cost of any alleged damage.
By understanding and following these procedures, parties can avoid unnecessary complications and ensure the instalment process moves forward smoothly.
Whether the bond money is deposited – do we know?
Several instances of deposit loss have been registered during the stated timeframe. If we already have this case, we should appeal to Fair Trading to dispute bond money. Fair Trade will fines them up to $2200 if found guilty.
How common is it for tenants to lose all or part of their bond at the end of a tenancy?
Losing some or all of your bond when moving out isn’t unusual. For example, in NSW, it’s been recorded that a considerable number of tenants didn’t see their entire bond returned after vacating their rental. Around one in seven lost the full amount, while about one in four received only a partial refund.
Victoria has seen similar trends, with a notable portion of tenants also facing full or partial deductions to their bond. So, it’s evident from these figures that disputes over bond money—or deductions for cleaning, damage, or outstanding bills—are quite commonplace across different states.
Tenant tips to get the deposited bond
We’re going to be really noisy and nervous at the rental end about how the condition report is going to be. We have to look after the checklists from transferring our items to cleaning the house leased as a part of the bond. It’s certainly a stressed time. We, therefore, warn you to act carefully and to manage your duties.
You may also like to read: ” How to Pick a Bond Cleaning Firm? “
You should handle this by yourself if there isn’t any. But if the house is absolutely chaotic, we urge you to employ experienced bond cleaners. Invite owner or property owners for review until completion and make them stay informed about your activities from time to time.
1. Complete the Fair Trade Website Bond Money Refund Claim Form. [Download Download Here]
2. Request the property owner or representative to sign the form.
3. Submit the form to Fair Trading by post, fax or in person.
Fair Trading would place the money in our bank account after processing or post a check at our new address.
What Are the Cleaning and Condition Expectations in Each State?
Let’s break down what’s expected of you, state by state, before you can confidently request your bond back.
- New South Wales:
Landlords or agents will check the property after you’ve moved out. Make sure you’ve done a thorough clean and tidied up—this sets the stage for a smooth bond return. - Victoria:
You’ll need to return the property in the same condition you received it, allowing for normal wear. A careful clean-up can make all the difference when your agent inspects. - Queensland & ACT:
Do a top-to-bottom clean of the property and hand over the keys. Your chances of reclaiming your bond ride mostly on this final effort. - South Australia:
If the place is spotless (like when you first moved in), with no outstanding rent or damages, your bond is typically returned—assuming the landlord has no objections. - Western Australia:
Bond money gets released only if both you and your landlord agree. Make sure to clean thoroughly, cover any repairs that are your responsibility, and communicate openly to avoid surprises. - Tasmania:
Same rules apply—complete a thorough clean, return the keys, and leave the property looking sharp to streamline your bond refund. - Northern Territory:
A comprehensive clean is expected before you go—this keeps everyone happy and helps ensure your bond is on its way back to you.
No matter where you are, the golden rule is clear: leave the property as close as possible to its original condition, save for reasonable wear and tear. With a diligent approach and a good checklist, you’ll be well-positioned to reclaim your deposit.
Check your report on your entry status
When you vacate a home, it must be in the same state as when you move in but for fair wear. It is unsurprising that fair wear and tear can imply various things for different people, particularly your landlord and manager. This is why updating your entry status report is necessary to equate it with your property’s condition before you move out.
Your entrance state report will document significant faults in the property before you move in so that you know where to concentrate your efforts on cleaning and maintenance before heading out.
Take your time when reading through the entry condition report, and don’t hesitate to add your own notes. These reports can sometimes present a rosier picture of the home than a tenant might agree with, so it’s important to note any existing damage or wear and tear, however minor. This will help protect you if there’s ever a disagreement about the property’s condition at the end of your lease.
A few practical steps:
- Photograph everything: Snap clear pictures of any damage or areas of concern, and upload them to the cloud to ensure they’re timestamped.
- Share evidence: Provide a copy of your photos to the property manager or landlord. If the entry condition report is digital and doesn’t allow attachments, simply email the images separately.
- Inspect before moving in: Complete your inspection and documentation before bringing in furniture. Bulky items can hide pre-existing damage, making it harder to prove later.
By being thorough at the start, you’ll have the records you need to ensure your responsibilities—and only your responsibilities—are clear when the time comes to move out.
Best ways to record and store property condition evidence
When it comes to documenting the state of your rental, taking clear, comprehensive photos is your best friend. Snap shots of every room, paying special attention to any existing damage or areas that might later be questioned.
For safe keeping, upload all images to a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox—this will ensure your photos are securely timestamped and easily accessible if needed. Don’t forget to share these images with your landlord or property manager. If you can’t add them directly to your entry condition report—maybe it’s locked or done electronically—just send them through in an email and keep a copy for your records. This simple step could save you a heap of trouble if a dispute ever pops up over your bond.
Get a checklist Moving Out
Most real estate agents have a process that you need to complete to redeem your loan. This checklist includes reminders for cleaning and extra administration, such as the departure status report.
You may also like to read: ” Best Guide for End of Lease Cleaning – Checklist “
Organize an inspection before leaving
Before you vacate the property legally, carry out a vacant review for the property manager. This gives them a chance to let you know if something requires help before you get out. It, therefore, avoids any complications in having your bond back and you will act until your tenancy expires.
You may like to read: ” The Easy Way to Clean Rentals – Rental Cleaning “
Get Professionals
A competent cleaner is a perfect way to guarantee that you have your bond back in full and the cleaners are meticulous and know just what to do. It’s at a price, so it saves you time. If you would like a skilled cleaner to complete your bond, speak to your property manager to see if they can suggest anyone.
This is always an excellent choice since cleaners would recognise what hygiene requirements the property managers require of them.
Stay on top of reports
Make sure that you record complaints during your lease as soon as they arise. This will help keep the property manager or landlord informed and raise the chance that your bond will be fully returned at the conclusion of your rental.
Settle properly by the due date
Although it is reasonable to leave it on the agreed date, it is also the case that many remain for a few days. This entails further rental charges.
You may also like to read: ” 10 Simple Things You Must Expect From A Professional Cleaning Company “
Many renters often think they can leave behind stuff, such as waste or furniture they no longer use, and when the payment for washing up or disposal is paid out from their bond it may come as a nasty surprise. While you could think the next occupant might profit from leaving the television or chest of drawers, your landlord may differ.
Talk to the property manager as soon as possible whether you want to put anything behind or require more days. They can respect your transparency and will explore the choices and costs with you.
Give all household things and keys
When you’ve been vacated, all the keys you had originally issued and all other things (such as garage remote controls and doorbell functions) would be delivered by an approved date. If this is not done, it will be necessary not only to replace the keys or objects but also to replace locks. Missing keys may be an indication that you hold one, and the house can be regarded as vulnerable.
If you have misplaced a ring, go to the landlord in advance. The substitution costs would usually be negligible, but in certain cases, unique keys will be used that will cost more.
Understand the mechanism of bond refund
Finally, recognise the method of retrieving the bond. Just when you have filled up a lease bond online document at the outset, you can fill out a bond reimbursement form or state-based counterpart, until the amount to be withdrawn from the bond is calculated.
You would need to provide financial information on when the bond and the contact information can be retrieved. Without these, it would be difficult to have the bond returned.
Read More about: ” How to get your Bond Back While Moving? “
However, if you and the property manager cannot settle to the size of a bond refund, you will go through court and the Tribunal. In the end, you will be required to provide proof that your dispute is supported and that you should be allowed to return the bond.
What evidence must landlords provide to claim the bond?
To justify withholding any part of your bond, landlords or property managers must provide clear proof that there is an issue requiring attention, and that you as the tenant are responsible. This commonly includes concerns like cleaning failures, damages, or outstanding rent and bills.
Evidence may include:
- Photographs or videos displaying the condition of the property at move-out compared to the condition report taken at the start of your tenancy
- Copies of unpaid bills or invoices
- Receipts for cleaning or repair work undertaken
- Correspondence showing attempts to resolve the issue
It’s important to remember that the burden of proof sits with the landlord—they must demonstrate both the problem and your responsibility for it. Many claims that reach the Tribunal are dismissed, simply because they lack sufficient supporting evidence.
What to do if the landlord or estate agent of the property is not satisfied?
We must take care of the problems they have found out. If they are fulfilled, we should take the above steps. And if we deliver the highest, but they always give us problems, we should follow the measures below:
1. Complete the Bond Money Claim Form [Download Here]
2. Send the form without the signature of the owner or property owners to the Fair Trading agency.
Fair Trading shall provide the landlords or property managers with a formal warning. If you don’t challenge the procedure, after 14 days, Fair Trade will repay the bond capital.
If you challenge the procedure, you can
1. Apply within 14 days of notification to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
2. Inform Fair Trading of its application to NCAT in a written letter.
Therefore, the ultimate NCAT determination would be.
It was noticed that the renters should not want to seek refunds if they do not produce acceptable outcomes after moving out. But in fact, they might come to a mutual understanding if they tried and communicated with the landlord.
Often the landlord acts deliberately as though there is an issue. We, therefore, recommend that you master both aspects before going out.
How long would it take to retrieve your bond?
The guidelines on how long it takes for each Australian state to collect bond repayments differed from each state on leasing arrangements, bond repayments and conflict resolution.
How long would it take to bring the bond back in NSW?
Your agent or landlord must give you the opportunity to use the Rental Bonds Electronically to handle your bond reimbursement from 30 January 2017. Fair Trading can fund your demand after 14 days if there are no lawsuits against your bond. See the Fair Trade NSW and its “Bond Back” resource for more detail.
