Read our tips on how to prevent problems with bonds during a tenancy.
At the start of a tenancy
Tenants and landlords should do a thorough property inspection together at the start of the tenancy. They should then complete and sign the property inspection report, which is part of the tenancy agreement. They should also complete and sign the bond lodgement form if the landlord is charging a bond.
If you’re a landlord you must:
- lodge the bond within 23 working days of receiving it. Not doing this is an unlawful act and you could be required to pay a penalty.
If you’re a tenant you should:
- contact your landlord to check the bond has been lodged (if you don't receive a letter within six weeks confirming your bond has been lodged)
- budget for the bond being four weeks’ rent (although it might be less).
Carrying out the initial property inspection
During a tenancy
If you’re a landlord you should:
- regularly inspect the property to make sure it’s being kept reasonably clean and tidy
- attend to any maintenance issues promptly
- let us know within 10 working days if your contact details change
- update the bond forms within 10 working days if the landlord, property manager or tenant changes.
Changing information on a bond record
Change of landlord
If you’re a tenant you should:
- let the landlord know as soon as possible if anything needs repairing
- let us know within 10 working days if your contact details change
- complete and sign a ‘change of tenant’ form if the names on the bond need to change. You’ll need to make sure the landlord agrees to this and also signs the form.
Changing information on a bond record
Download the change of tenant form below
At the end of a tenancy
Before the tenant moves out, the tenant and landlord should inspect the property together and:
- make sure the final property inspection report is signed by both parties
- complete the bond forms in full, making sure the signatures match those on the bond lodgement form
- be open to splitting the bond if there’s any unpaid rent, damage or other costs, like cleaning or gardening fees.
If you’re a landlord you should:
- make sure the tenant has paid anything they owe you before releasing the bond.
If you’re a tenant you should:
- make sure you agree to the amount written on the bond refund form before you sign it
- never sign a blank bond refund form.
Related tools and downloads
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Residential tenancy agreement
For tenants & landlords
PDF 1.2 MB
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Bond lodgement form
For tenants & landlords
PDF 1 MB
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Change of tenant form
For tenants
PDF 1.2 MB
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Bond refund form
For tenants & landlords
PDF 1 MB
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Additional tenants bond lodgement form
For tenants & landlords
PDF 1 MB
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Additional tenants bond refund form
For tenants & landlords
PDF 1 MB