Most renters lose part of their bond over things they could have prevented, or pushed back on with the right evidence. Work through this checklist, see your own state's bond authority and rules, then build your move-out evidence. The checklist and the exit report PDF are both free.
Your rental bond isn't held by your landlord or agent. It's held by a government bond authority in your state, in trust, until your tenancy ends. That's the single most important thing to know: nobody can just keep it.
When you move out, one of two things happens. You and the agent agree the bond should be released to you, and the authority pays it out. Or the agent lodges a claim for part of it (for unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or cleaning your lease required), and you can agree or challenge it. If it's challenged, your state's tenancy tribunal decides, and it decides on evidence. The renter with the clearer record usually comes out ahead.
The exact timeframes and process vary by state. Pick your state in the checklist above for your bond authority and a link to the full rules, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all number.
The checklist is free. Capture your move-out condition and export the dispute-ready PDF, also free, with a before/after against your move-in. Built to get you your full bond back.
🛡️ Build your exit report →Just moving in? The best bond protection starts on day one. Document the property's condition with the Entry Condition Report so you have a baseline to compare against when you leave.
Worried about your rental record? A bond dispute can end up on a tenancy database. You can check your rental history for free and fix a listing that's wrong.
Who holds your bond, the timeframes and the dispute process differ across Australia. Open your state's full bond-back guide:
It depends on your state and whether there's a dispute. If you and the agent agree, the bond authority usually pays out within a couple of weeks. If there's a disagreement that goes to the tribunal, it can take longer. Pick your state in the checklist above for the specific timeframes and process.
A government bond authority in your state, not your landlord or agent. For example it's the RTBA in Victoria, the Rental Bond Board in NSW, and the RTA in Queensland. Select your state above to see yours and a link to its official site.
Yes. The checklist and the state bond information are free, with no sign-up. The Exit Condition Report tool lets you capture your move-out condition and export the finished dispute-ready PDF, with a before/after against your move-in, all free.