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Getting your full bond back in Tasmania

Your bond is your money — it's held in trust, not the landlord's to keep. At the end of a tenancy it should be returned in full unless there's a fair reason to deduct, such as unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. In Tasmania, bonds and the refund process are overseen by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS).

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What a landlord can (and cannot) claim

A landlord can generally claim for unpaid rent, repairs for damage you caused beyond fair wear and tear, or cleaning if the property was left less clean than at move-in. They cannot charge you for normal ageing — faded paint, worn carpet in walkways, or minor scuffs from everyday living. The single best protection is evidence: clear, timestamped photos of the property at move-in to compare against move-out.

The refund process in Tasmania

When you move out, your bond refund is processed through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS). If you and the landlord agree on the amount, it's usually quick. If there's a dispute, having a side-by-side photo record of the property's condition at the start and end of your tenancy makes your case far stronger than relying on memory.

Official source for Tasmania

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) — official renting information · phone 1300 654 499. They set and publish the exact rules that apply to your tenancy.

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Common questions — Tasmania

How long does a bond refund take in Tasmania?

Timeframes are set by Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS). An agreed refund is typically faster than a disputed one — which is why clear move-in and move-out evidence helps you get your money back sooner.

Can a landlord keep my bond for normal wear and tear?

No. Fair wear and tear — the gradual ageing that happens from ordinary living — is the landlord's responsibility, not yours. Deductions should only be for damage beyond that, unpaid rent, or agreed cleaning.

What if we disagree on the bond amount?

If you can't agree, the dispute is decided through Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)'s process. Photos showing the property's condition at move-in versus move-out are the evidence that usually settles it.

This topic in other states

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This page gives general information to help you understand your rights as a renter in Tasmania. It isn't personal advice. For the exact rules and your specific situation, contact Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) on 1300 654 499 or a local tenant advocacy service.