Landlords can charge a general bond if they choose to. If they charge a general bond, the tenant must pay this at the start of a tenancy.

What a general bond covers

A general bond covers:

• damage to the property
• any claim relating to the tenancy
• unpaid rent.

Tenants who have looked after the house, paid rent in full and paid any amounts owing should get a refund of their general bond when their tenancy ends.

For more information on the types of damage, who is responsible and how much can be charged for it, check the section ‘Damages and repairs’.

Damage and repairs

If tenants live with another tenant who has a pet

Tenants could live with another tenant who has the landlord’s consent to keep a pet. If so, all tenants named on the tenancy agreement are responsible for paying for any pet-related damage.

Their general bond can also be used to cover pet-related damage.

Pet-related damage

How much landlords can charge for general bond

If a landlord chooses to charge a general bond, the most they can charge is 4 weeks’ rent. 

For example, if the rent is $500 a week, the maximum bond they can charge is $2,000.

What can be used as bond

Only a bond payment (money) is allowed. 

Landlords cannot ask for other types of security as a bond payment. This means they cannot ask for:

• a tenant's credit card details
• access to a tenant's bank account
• personal items like a car or laptop as a guarantee.

If the landlord asks for a guarantor

The landlord can also ask the tenant for a guarantor to sign the tenancy agreement. This could be for reasons like if the tenant:

• is aged 17 or younger
• is a first-time renter without a credit history
• has not had a previous rental with references. 

A guarantor is often a parent or guardian.

They are a person who agrees (that is, guarantees) to pay for all outstanding tenancy costs, including unpaid rent or damages. The guarantor can specify in the guarantor’s agreement what tenancy costs they are not  responsible for. 

A guarantor must:

• be 18 years and older
• agree to take responsibility if the tenant will not or cannot meet their tenancy requirements. For example, if rent is unpaid or there is any damage to the property
• sign the tenancy agreement, and
• be easy to contact if there are issues during the tenancy.

It is important the guarantor understands the tenancy requirements and what they are agreeing to pay for, if required.

Once a landlord charges a general bond

The tenant needs to pay the bond and the landlord must lodge (deposit) it with Tenancy Services.

Paying a bond

Lodging a bond

Related links

Refunding a bond