How rental bonds work in Australia
Where your bond goes, how much it can be, and how to get it back in full at the end of your lease.
A rental bond is money you pay at the start of a tenancy as security against unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear and tear. It isn't the agent's or the landlord's money to keep.
Where the bond goes
In most states and territories, the bond must be lodged with a government bond authority, not held in the agent's or landlord's account. You should receive confirmation that it has been lodged, with a reference number — keep it.
How much it can be
Each state limits how much bond can be charged. For most properties the limit is around four weeks' rent, with exceptions for some higher-rent or furnished properties. Check your state's rules if the amount asked seems high.
Protect yourself at the start
Your entry condition report is your best defence against bond disputes. Go through it carefully, add anything that's missing, and take dated photos of every room before you move in.
Getting it back
At the end of the tenancy, the bond is released once you and the landlord agree how it should be paid out. If the landlord wants to keep part of it, they need to show why — usually by comparing the exit condition to the entry condition report. Normal wear and tear from everyday living isn't a valid reason for a deduction.
If you can't agree, each state has a free or low-cost process to resolve bond disputes, usually through its tenancy tribunal.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Tenancy and lending rules differ between states and change over time — check with your state's tenancy authority or a licensed professional for your situation.