How to get your rental bond back in every Australian state
How bond refunds work in NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA, TAS, ACT and the NT, what landlords can claim for, and how to prepare so your full bond comes back.
Key takeaways
- Your entry condition report is the standard the property is judged against.
- Landlords can claim for cleaning and damage beyond fair wear and tear, not normal ageing.
- Each state has its own bond authority and dispute process.
Where your bond is held
In most states the bond is lodged with an independent authority, not kept by the landlord. Regulator names change over time, so search the name if a link has moved.
- New South Wales — NSW Fair Trading, through Rental Bonds Online
- Victoria — the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
- Queensland — the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
- Western Australia — the Bond Administrator at Consumer Protection
- South Australia — Consumer and Business Services
- Tasmania — the Rental Deposit Authority (MyBond)
- Australian Capital Territory — the Office of Rental Bonds
- Northern Territory — there is no central authority; the landlord or agent holds the bond
What landlords can and cannot claim
Landlords can generally claim for unpaid rent, cleaning needed to return the property to its entry condition, and damage beyond fair wear and tear. They cannot claim for normal ageing, such as faded paint, worn carpet in walkways or loose door handles from ordinary use.
Before you move out
Give yourself the best chance of a full refund:
- Compare every room with the entry condition report and photos
- Clean to the entry standard — kitchen, oven and bathrooms matter most
- Book carpet cleaning if your lease requires it, and keep the receipt
- Remove all belongings, rubbish and hooks you added
- Report or repair any damage you caused
- Take date-stamped photos and video of every room on the final day
- Return all keys and remotes and get a receipt
Claiming the bond
In most states either party can lodge a claim with the bond authority once the tenancy ends. If you and the landlord agree, the refund is usually processed quickly. If you do not agree, do not sign a claim form you disagree with.
If there is a dispute
Disputes go to the relevant tribunal or conciliation service in your state, such as NCAT in New South Wales, VCAT in Victoria and QCAT in Queensland. Your entry report, exit photos and receipts are your strongest evidence.
Getting the clean right
End-of-lease cleaning is judged against the entry report, not a generic checklist. Post an end-of-lease cleaning job free on Fixit247, describe the property and inclusions, and compare up to 3 obligation-free quotes from verified cleaners, where available.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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