Landlord Won’t Return Your Bond? Step-by-Step Guide to Getting It Back

You moved out three weeks ago. The place was spotless. The agent said “we’ll process the bond.” Then nothing. Emails unanswered. Phone goes to voicemail. Your $2,400 is sitting somewhere and you need it for the new place.

Let’s get it back.

Step 1: know where your bond actually is

In every state and territory, your bond should have been lodged with a government body, not kept by the landlord:

• New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bonds Online).
• Victoria: Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).
• Queensland: Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA).
• Western Australia: Bond Administrator (Consumer Protection).
• South Australia: Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
• Australian Capital Territory: Office of Rental Bonds.
• Tasmania: Rental Deposit Authority.
• Northern Territory: held by the landlord, but strict rules apply.

Log in to the relevant portal. You should be able to see your bond and its status. If it was never lodged, the landlord has broken the law and can be fined. That is a strong card to play.

Step 2: lodge your own claim

You do not have to wait for the landlord. In New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and most states, you can submit a bond refund claim yourself. The authority then notifies the landlord. If they don’t dispute it within the time limit (14 days in New South Wales and Victoria, 14 days in Queensland), the bond is paid to you automatically.

This is the single most powerful step and most renters don’t know it exists. Do it today.

Step 3: if they dispute it, make them prove it

If the landlord lodges a competing claim, the bond is frozen and someone has to go to the tribunal. Here is the key point: the landlord has to prove the damage or costs. They need:

• An entry condition report showing the property was in better condition when you moved in.
• An exit condition report.
• Photos.
• Receipts or quotes for the actual work.

If they can’t produce these, they lose. Many landlords bluff at this stage hoping you will give up.

Step 4: send a Letter of Demand

Before the tribunal date (or if the landlord is just ignoring everything), send a formal Letter of Demand. It should:

1. State the bond amount and the date you vacated.
2. Note that the property was returned clean and undamaged, with reference to your exit report and photos.
3. Reject any deductions and explain why.
4. Quote your state’s Residential Tenancies Act on bond release.
5. Demand full release within 7 days.
6. State that you will apply to the tribunal and seek costs if they refuse.

Agents get a lot of angry emails. They get very few formal demands that quote the Act. The second kind gets actioned.

Step 5: tribunal

If it gets here, don’t be scared. Bond hearings are short and informal. Bring your reports, photos and the letter. You can also claim interest on the bond in some states, and the landlord may be ordered to pay your application fee.

A note on timing

In Victoria the rental provider must start a bond claim within 14 days of the rental agreement ending, unless you start one first. Elsewhere, do not wait for the landlord: lodge your own claim, which starts the dispute clock described above.

Get moving

Every day you wait is a day the landlord thinks you have given up. Lodge your claim. Send the demand. Get your money.

Claim Done drafts your Letter of Demand for $49. Done in about 5 minutes.