Can a Rental Provider Keep a Bond or Deposit?

Check your agreement, receipt and bond authority records to identify whether the payment is a regulated residential tenancy bond or another type of deposit. Keep the bond number and all correspondence. Do not assume a private deposit follows the same process as a statutory bond.

Retain entry and exit condition reports, dated images, invoices, repair correspondence, keys handover and any itemised claim. Cleaning, damage, unpaid amounts and ordinary wear may be treated differently under local law. A general cleaning checklist cannot establish who is legally responsible.

For NSW, consult NSW Government guidance on getting your bond back. In Queensland, see the Residential Tenancies Authority ending-a-tenancy and bond-refund resources. In South Australia, begin with SA.GOV.AU renting information. Other jurisdictions have separate authorities and processes.

Follow the authority’s current forms, notices and time limits for your jurisdiction. If you disagree with a proposed payment, use the specified dispute pathway and provide relevant records. For legal interpretation or a tribunal matter, contact a qualified tenancy adviser or lawyer.

If cleaning is requested, agree the property areas, tasks, access and price with the provider in writing. A cleaning invoice is evidence of work booked, not a guarantee that a rental provider will agree with the condition or that a bond will be refunded.