Preventing problems with bonds

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 (part of the tenancy agreement) and the bond form (if the landlord is charging 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 financial 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 confirming your bond has been lodged within six weeks)
• budget for the bond being four weeks’ rent (although it might be less)
• never sign a blank bond refund form.

Download the residential tenancy agreement below (includes the property inspection report).
Download the bond lodgement form below.
Initial property inspection has more on how to carry out the inspection.

During a tenancy

If you’re a landlord you should:

• regularly inspect the property to make sure it’s being kept in a reasonably clean and tidy condition
• attend to any maintenance issues promptly
• occasionally check whether any of the occupants have changed
• inform Tenancy Services in writing if any of your details change
• update the bond forms within 10 days if the landlord, property manager or tenant changes
• follow the correct procedure if you’ll be away from the country for more than 21 days.

Changing a name on a bond record has more information about this.
Change of landlord has more about assigning a tenancy.

If you’re a tenant you should:

• let the landlord know as soon as possible if you discover any damage or anything that needs repairing
• inform Tenancy Services in writing if any of your details change
• complete and sign a Change of Tenant form if the names on the bond need to change, and make sure the landlord agrees to this by also signing the form.

Contact us if you would like specific advice or have a question.
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 (part of the tenancy agreement) 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 water rates or cleaning and gardening fees.

If you’re a landlord you should:

• make sure the tenant has paid anything they may 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.

Download the residential tenancy agreement below (includes the property inspection report).
Download the bond refund form below.