Bulk Bond Lodgement Web Service now available
Lodge bonds quickly and easily online via RTA Web Services. Use the Bond Lodgement Web Service to lodge single bonds and the Bulk Bond Lodgement Web Service to lodge and pay for multiple bonds in one transaction.
A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy.
If the property manager/owner takes a bond, they must give the tenant a receipt and lodge it with the RTA within 10 days. It is an offence not to do so.
How much bond can be taken?
The maximum bond allowed to be taken is equivalent to:
- 4 weeks rent for general tenancies
- 2 weeks rent for moveable dwellings
- 3 weeks rent for moveable dwellings if electricity is provided.
The maximum amounts stated in the Act apply to all bonds, no matter what they are called (e.g. pet bond) or how many bonds are taken.
There are different rules where accommodation is provided by an employer. Check with the RTA for more information.
Lodging your bond with the RTA
A rental bond is lodged with the RTA Web Services, or by post, using a Bond lodgement (Form 2).
The date of the last rent increase must be included in the tenancy agreement. Tenants have the right to request written proof of the last rent increase during the tenancy, and the property manager or owner must provide this information within 14 days. However, these requirements do not apply in the following cases:
- Exempt Lessors: the Act outlines who qualifies as an exempt lessor.
- For properties being rented for the first time: the date of the last rent increase is the date the property is first rented.
Note: A property manager or owner is considered to have evidence of the last rent increase if they or their agent (such as a real estate agent, property manager, or lawyer) has this information.
If you are concerned the rent increase may be less than 12 months since the last increase for the residential premises, you can ask the property manager/owner in writing to provide evidence of the date of the last increase.
Some rent increase rules do not apply to exempt property managers/owners. The Act provides definitions for an exempt property manager/owner.
Bond refund
The bond is paid back to the tenant when the property is vacated, provided no money is owed for rent, damages or other costs. Visit our bond refunds page for more information.
Bond loans and rental grants
Learn about bond loans and rental grants and how to check if you are eligible on our bond loan webpage.