A rental bond is a security deposit a tenant pays at the start of a tenancy.

It is held by the RTA and is paid back to the tenant at the end of the tenancy provided no money is owed to the lessor/agent for rent, damages or other costs.

Fast facts

• Lessors/agents don’t have to take a bond – most do.
• Lessors/agents need to give the tenant a copy of the rental agreement before a bond is taken and the tenant has committed to the tenancy.
• Bonds must be lodged with the RTA within 10 days using a Bond lodgement form (Form 2 or Form R2).
• Tenants will receive a receipt from the RTA once the bond has been lodged.
• In a general tenancy, the maximum bond that an agent/lessor can charge is equivalent to 4 weeks rent if the rent is $700 a week or less. If the rent is more than $700 a week there is no limit on the bond.
• In rooming accommodation if the rent is $500 or less per week, the maximum bond that can be charged is 4 times the weekly rent. If the rent is more than $500 per week, there is no bond limit.
• In a caravan park the maximum bond is 2 weeks rent, unless electricity is individually metered to the caravan and the bill is in the owner/managers name. Then it can be 3 weeks rent.
• Tenants may be able to agree with the lessor/agent to pay the bond in instalments using the Part payment of rental bond (Form 7 or Form R7): this is up to both parties to agree to this.
• Bond loans for tenants who cannot afford a bond may also be available through the Department of Communities Housing and Homeless Services offices. Contact them for more information.