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Tips: The easy way to claim your bond

You can put in your bond claim as soon as you have moved out of your rental home and returned the keys. You can do this whether you and the landlord agree or disagree on the amount to be returned. You do not need to wait for the landlord/agent, although you may wish to inform them and request their agreement.

Put in your bond claim through Rental Bonds Online if that’s how your bond was lodged at the start of the tenancy, or use the NSW Fair Trading Bond Claim Form.

Rental Bonds Online

Bond claim form (NSW Fair Trading)

You can claim your full bond, or if you agree you owe a certain amount (for example unpaid rent or repairs to damage you caused), you can put in a claim less the amount you agree you owe. If you can reach agreement with the landlord about the bond, you can get it back more quickly – often within 24 hours of you both telling NSW Fair Trading.

The bond is your money and it should be returned to you in full when the tenancy ends, unless the landlord has a valid claim. If the landlord wants to claim from your bond at the end of the tenancy, they need to prove why and what the bond money is needed for – with evidence such as quotes, invoices. Keep in mind that most bonds are returned to tenants in full.

When you put in your bond claim, the landlord/agent will be notified by NSW Fair Trading. If they want to dispute your claim, they will need to apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) within 14 days. If the landlord/agent makes a claim on your bond first you will be notified. If you disagree with their claim you need to make an application to NCAT. See more in Factsheet: Bond.