Rental Bond Rules by State: Who Holds Your Bond?
A plain-English overview of where rental bonds are lodged in each Australian state and territory, and what helps when you move out.
How bond returns work
In most of Australia, your bond is held by a government authority rather than your landlord. At the end of the lease, you and your landlord or agent agree on how it's paid out, or a dispute process is used. Rules change over time, so always check the official authority in your state.
Where bonds are lodged
- ✓Queensland — Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA)
- ✓New South Wales — NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bonds Online)
- ✓Victoria — Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA)
- ✓Western Australia — Bond Administrator (Consumer Protection)
- ✓South Australia — Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
- ✓ACT — ACT Revenue Office
- ✓Tasmania — Rental Deposit Authority (RDA)
- ✓Northern Territory — generally held by the landlord or agent; NT Consumer Affairs can help with disputes
Tips for moving out
- ✓Keep a copy of your entry condition report
- ✓Take dated photos after your final clean
- ✓Attend the final inspection if you can
- ✓Keep receipts for any professional cleaning
- ✓Respond promptly to any bond claim
This isn't legal advice
This guide is general information only. For your specific situation, contact your state's tenancy authority or a tenant advice service.
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