Refunding a general bond
A general bond is usually refunded at the end of the tenancy if there is no money owed. Find out when a tenant can get a general bond refund, how much can be refunded and how to get the bond refunded.
When tenants can get a general bond refund
At the end of the tenancy, landlords and tenants should carry out a property inspection.
The tenant will receive a full refund of their general bond if the property:
- is in a reasonable condition and meets the requirements of the tenancy agreement
- has no damage, other than fair wear and tear
- does not require any repairs
- has no outstanding payments (for example, rent, or water charges)
For more information on the types of damage and who is responsible for it, check the page ‘Damage and repairs’.
Pet-related damage
If there is a pet at the property that causes damage, all tenants on the tenancy agreement are responsible for paying costs.
If a pet bond was paid and this is not enough to cover costs, general bond can be used from all tenants who are on the tenancy agreement.
If the total amount of pet bond and general bond is not enough to cover costs, the tenants can agree to pay the landlord the difference.
How much of the bond can be refunded
If there is any money owed, the landlord will get the amount that is owed, and the tenant will get the rest.
For example:
- The total general bond the tenant paid at the start of tenancy was $2,000.
- There is property damage worth $1,500.
- The landlord will get a refund of $1,500 and the tenant will get a refund of $500.
If the money owed is more than the general bond amount, the landlord will get a refund of the total bond amount to cover the costs. The tenant will not get a refund.
A pet bond can also be used to help cover the rest of the costs if:
- the landlord and tenant agree to this, or
- the Tenancy Tribunal has ordered it.
How to get the bond refunded
The landlord submits the bond refund request online in Bond Hub. Landlords must be registered to Bond Hub to make these changes.
If 1 tenant moves out
If 1 tenant is leaving but the tenancy is continuing, the departing tenant does not need to apply for a bond refund.
The tenants and landlord should agree on how to refund that tenant’s share of the bond. It could be that:
- the remaining or new tenant pays the departing tenant directly, or
- the landlord arranges a refund to the departing tenant and then the new tenant can pay their share to the landlord.
If the departing tenant is being refunded by the landlord, the landlord needs to submit the refund request before submitting the change of tenant request in Bond Hub.
If all tenants move out
The refund can be paid to 1 tenant or split between many tenants. A tenant can also choose to transfer their bond to a new landlord if they agree.
The landlord submits a bond refund in Bond Hub. All tenants listed in the tenancy must agree or disagree to the refund amount.
Last updated: 26 June 2026
