C&G’s Guide to Securing Your Bond Back

Tips & Advice

For tenants relocating from one rental property to another, reclaiming your bond can go towards paying expenses like your advanced rent and next bond. In the latest C&G guide, we offer our tips to getting and securing your bond back.

How Does a Tenancy Bond Work?

When you pay a bond for a rental property, your property manager will submit a bond lodgement to the Rental Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA). When the time comes around to claim back your bond at the end of your tenancy, you must fill in a bond claim form and submit it to the RTBA. This should be filled out after your landlord and property manager have negotiated any deductions. If there is a dispute over whether damages should be claimed, your property manager will instruct you on how to proceed.

If there are no disputes, you will sign the bond claim form with the amount you are due to receive and await further communication.

How Long Should it Take?

Once the RTBA receives your claim form, they will match the details to the associated bond lodgement form. If everything is in order, you can receive your bond promptly back within 2-3 business days. 

How Can I Avoid Deductions?

A landlord can deduct a portion of the bond if the property is not returned in an appropriate condition. Aside from general wear and tear, the property should be left in the same condition as it was when you first moved in. This means all appliances must be in working order, and the property must be cleaned to an acceptable standard. It’s wise to snap some photos from when you first moved in to show your property manager and landlord how you maintained the property’s conditions.

How to Get Your Bond Back?

Pay for a professional end-of-tenancy clean with a bond guarantee. Many cleaners offer a bond guarantee on move-out cleans – by hiring these cleaners, you can be sure your landlord won’t deduct charges for any cleaning issues. If they do, the bond guarantee cleaners will return to re-clean the property and will back you up if your landlord is fussed over minute details.

Ensure you fill out the condition report when you move in and take photos as you go along if the condition of the home changes.

Report any maintenance issues as soon as they occur or when you first notice them. Ignoring breakages or malfunctions throughout your tenancy – even if they’re not your fault – can cause headaches down the line. If you move out of a property and leave a blocked drain and a broken air conditioner, it can be difficult for your property manager to attribute a cause. These issues may also slow down the bond claim-back process – and cost you, your bond.

Clean as you go. Neglecting to take proper care of your property can result in more long-term damages down the line. Ensuring you’re on top of your cleaning routine will make moving day a lot easier.

If you’re renting with C&G, our property managers will work with you to ensure you’re on top of your obligations as a tenant. If you have questions or concerns throughout your tenancy, do not hesitate to reach out for help.