Landlord Keeping Your Bond for Cleaning? What You Can Do
You only have to leave the property as clean as it was at the start. Dispute cleaning deductions with a free bond refund letter.
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Rental Bond Refund in Every State and Territory: Who Holds It and Where to Dispute
The bond authority and the tribunal for each state and territory, and the two most common deductions you can push back on.
1. Your bond
2. Why you disagree
✉️ 3. Your letter
🧭 Getting your bond back in New South Wales
- Lodge a claim for the bond yourself through Rental Bonds Online. If the landlord disagrees, they must apply to NCAT within 14 days or the bond is paid to you.
- Send the letter and keep your photos, the entry and exit condition reports and rent receipts.
- Never sign a bond form with an amount you don't agree with.
- Free help: your state's tenants' advice service.
Rules last checked: October 2026. Time limits and forms differ by state; check the official page. General information, not legal advice. 🔒 Everything stays on your device.
✅ Rules last checked:
We build every tool from the official rules and re-check them when they change. Always confirm with the official source before you rely on a result.
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Where your bond is held
The bond belongs to you unless the landlord shows a valid claim: unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or cleaning to return the property to how it was at the start. The entry condition report is the main evidence, so keep your copy and your photos.
New South Wales
Lodge a claim for the bond yourself through Rental Bonds Online. If the landlord disagrees, they must apply to NCAT within 14 days or the bond is paid to you.
Victoria
Claim the bond through RTBA online. If the rental provider wants to keep any of it, they must apply to VCAT; you can also apply to VCAT yourself.
Queensland
Submit a Refund of Rental Bond form to the RTA. If it's disputed, the RTA offers free dispute resolution; if that fails, apply to QCAT.
Western Australia
Lodge a Bond Disposal form with the Bond Administrator (online through Bonds Online). If you can't agree, apply to the Magistrates Court.
South Australia
Request the bond refund through Residential Bonds Online. If the landlord disputes it, the matter goes to SACAT.
Tasmania
Claim the bond through MyBond. If it's disputed, the Residential Tenancy Commissioner decides.
Australian Capital Territory
Apply for the bond refund through the Office of Rental Bonds. Disputes go to ACAT.
Northern Territory
Ask the landlord in writing to return the bond. If they don't, apply to NTCAT.
Common deductions
Fair Wear and Tear: What a Landlord Can't Take From Your Bond
Faded paint, worn carpet and small marks are fair wear and tear. See what can't be deducted and dispute it for free.
Related tools
Questions people ask
What can a landlord take out of my bond?+
Only rent you owe, the cost of damage beyond fair wear and tear, cleaning needed to bring the property back to its condition at the start (as shown in the entry condition report), and other money you owe under the lease.
What is fair wear and tear?+
Normal deterioration from everyday living: faded curtains, worn carpet in walkways, small scuffs, loose door handles. A landlord can't charge you for it.
Should I sign the bond claim form?+
Only if you agree with the amounts on it. Never sign a blank form or one with deductions you dispute.
Who decides if we can't agree?+
Your state's tribunal (for example NCAT, VCAT or QCAT). In Queensland the RTA offers free dispute resolution first.
Bond refunds by state
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