How to get your bond back in Western Australia
Western Australia changed its bond release process on 28 March 2026. Any tenant on the bond can now start the release, disputes go to the Commissioner for Consumer Protection instead of a court hearing, and everyone has 10 days to give evidence.
Get the Western Australia answer. Ask RenterIQ free →What changed in March 2026
Under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, the new process started on 28 March 2026. The WA Government says it is meant to make it easier for renters to get their bond back. The main changes for tenants:
- Any tenant, landlord or agent on the bond can start the release. Before, only the landlord or agent could.
- If the parties can't agree, either side can dispute the claim, and the Commissioner for Consumer Protection decides instead of a court hearing.
- Everyone on the bond has 10 days to provide evidence, such as invoices and photographs.
- To challenge the Commissioner's decision, a party must lodge an appeal in the Magistrates Court within 7 days.
- The landlord or agent does the final inspection and issues a property condition report at the end of the tenancy.
How to start the release
Consumer Protection WA says anyone on the bond can start the process. Tenants use the paper-based release form (an online e-form you complete and print, or a blank PDF). Agents use BondsOnline, and private landlords can use BondsOnline or paper. Everyone else on the bond is notified by email or letter and should respond by the date on the notice. The bond is paid out once everyone agrees to the release and any claims.
If you don't agree
The application goes to the Commissioner for a decision. The bond is held until the appeal period ends or a court order is issued. During the 10-day evidence window, send what supports your side: your move-in and move-out photos, the condition reports, and any receipts or invoices.
What a landlord can claim for
Landlords can still claim for defined reasons: property damage, unpaid rent, cleaning or garden maintenance. Normal ageing from everyday living is not something you should pay for.
Why your photos matter more under the new process
With a 10-day window to provide evidence, having your records ready is what makes the difference. RenterIQ gives you a guided, room-by-room report with timestamped photos you can export, and at move-out it lines your photos up side by side with your move-in set, so you can send clear before-and-after evidence straight away.
- WA Government: From the Commissioner, are you up to date with the new bond release process?
- Consumer Protection WA: Releasing or claiming a bond
Consumer Protection WA · phone 1300 30 40 54. Facts on this page were checked against these sources on 3 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the official source before you act.
Common questions: Western Australia
Yes. Since 28 March 2026, any tenant, landlord or agent on the bond can start the release process. Before, only the landlord or property manager could.
Everyone on the bond has 10 days to provide evidence such as invoices and photographs, according to the WA Government.
If the parties cannot agree, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection decides, instead of a court hearing.
Yes. A party who disagrees can lodge an appeal with the Magistrates Court within 7 days. The bond is held until the appeal period ends or a court order is issued.
The WA Government says the maximum pet bond is now $350.