Bonds
There are 2 types of bonds a landlord can charge — a general bond and a pet bond. Find out more about these types of bonds and the bond process.
What a general bond is
A general bond is money the landlord can charge a tenant at the start of a tenancy. The tenant pays the bond, and the landlord lodges (deposits) it with Tenancy Services who hold it during the tenancy. It is used at the end of the tenancy to cover any money that is owed.
If there is no money owed at the end of the tenancy, tenants should get a refund of their bond.
What a pet bond is
A pet bond is money the landlord can charge a tenant if they have given consent for the tenant to keep a pet in the property. The tenant pays the bond, and the landlord lodges (deposits) it with Tenancy Services who hold it during the tenancy. It is used to cover any pet-related damage that is more than fair wear and tear.
If there is no pet-related damage, tenants should get a bond refund when their tenancy ends or when they stop keeping a pet (whichever comes first).
In this section
Landlords can charge a bond to cover potential costs during the tenancy. Find out about the types of bonds landlords can charge and what each one is for.
If the landlord charges a general bond or a pet bond, or the bond is increased, the tenant must pay it. Find out what to check before paying a bond, how to pay a bond and what happens once the payment is made.
In most situations, landlords who charge a general bond or pet bond must lodge (deposit) it online with Tenancy Services. Check the requirements to meet and options for payment.
If the landlord increases the rent, they can ask the tenant to pay a bond top-up. This can be for a general bond and pet bond. If the landlord permanently decreases the rent, a portion of the general bond or pet bond will need to be refunded to the tenant.
Tenants and landlords must let Tenancy Services know if there is a change to bond information.
Find out about the types of bonds that can be refunded and the rules around each one.
Read our tips on how to prevent problems with bonds during a tenancy.
We are making it quicker and easier to manage bond transactions. Tenants, landlords, and property managers will benefit from greater visibility and control over their bonds in one place.
