If you're renting and wondering how to get your bond back, or how long it takes to get your bond back, this article will walk you through everything you need to know. We'll cover the process across the key states (Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales) and explain what you must do, what can delay things, what constitutes legitimate deductions and your rights if there are disputes.

But first, what is a rental bond?

A rental bond is a security deposit paid by tenants at the start of a tenancy. It acts as a financial safeguard for the landlord or property manager in case of unpaid rent, damage beyond fair wear and tear, or other breaches of the tenancy agreement.

For example, in Victoria, the bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA).In Queensland the bond is lodged with the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA). IIn New South Wales the bond may be lodged via the online service under NSW Fair Trading / Rental Bonds Online.

In short: once your tenancy ends and you’ve met your obligations, you’re generally entitled to receive your bond (or the balance of it) back.

How long does it take to get my bond back?

Timeframes vary depending on whether all parties agree (tenant, landlord/property manager) on how the bond should be distributed, and whether there are any claims or disputes.

If all parties agree, the bond refund can be processed quickly (even same day in some jurisdictions). If there’s disagreement or claims, the process takes longer.

Examples by State

• In Queensland, if all parties agree and submit via the RTA online bond refund service, the refund can happen on the same day the request is received.
• In Victoria, the RTBA’s online claims system states that electronic claims “are usually paid on the same business day” once all tenants have consented.
• In New South Wales, with the Rental Bonds Online system, if your details are correct and the claim is accepted by the landlord/agent, you should get your bond back in two business days. 

Therefore: the key takeaway, on how long it takes to get your bond back, truly depends heavily on agreement and documentation. It could be a matter of days, or weeks (or longer if there’s a dispute).

How to get your bond back: Our 6 step guide 

Here is our step-by-step guide on how to get your bond back, with state-specific highlights where relevant.

Step 1: Prepare well before you leave the property

Check your tenancy agreement for the required notice period for ending the tenancy.

Conduct a final inspection with your landlord/agent. In Victoria for example, the rental provider or agent will do a final inspection and use the condition report at move-in to compare. 

Remove all personal belongings, and attend to any minor repairs (or make arrangements) so you minimise the risk of deductions.

Step 2: Do an end of tenancy clean once you’ve moved out

A proper clean at the end of your tenancy is one of the easiest ways to make sure you get your bond back quickly and in full. Most bond deductions happen because the property isn’t left in a reasonably clean condition, things like; dirty ovens, stained carpets, or dusty blinds can all cause problems.

You can choose to clean the property yourself, or save time and stress by hiring a professional. A professional end-of-lease cleaner will make sure your place meets the inspection standards set by your landlord or agent.

If you’d rather not do it yourself, you can hire a bond cleaner on Bark and compare trusted local professionals in minutes.

For a full breakdown of what to clean before you move out, check out our complete end of tenancy cleaning checklist [here].

Plus! Make sure you keep records: your original condition report (or entry report), photos of the property before and after vacating, receipts for cleaning or minor costs, your forwarding address details.

Step 3: Lodge the bond refund claim

In Victoria: Once your tenancy ends and all parties agree, either the provider (landlord/agent) or you (tenant) can initiate a claim via RTBA Online. If you initiate, the provider must be given notice.

In Queensland: Use the RTA’s Bond Refund Web Service (online) or the paper “Refund of rental bond (Form 4)”.

In NSW: Through Rental Bonds Online via the landlord/agent’s invitation, or via the paper form “Claim for Bond Refund” if not using the online account.

Step 4: Ensure all parties agree on how the bond will be paid out

If you and the landlord/agent agree on the full refund amount and distribution (all to you, or a portion to you and portion to landlord, etc), the process is much smoother.

If there is no agreement, things can slow down significantly: a formal notice may need to be issued, you may need to go to a tribunal or dispute resolution body. For instance in Queensland the RTA issues a “Notice of claim” if one or more parties disagree, and that triggers a 14-day period for response

In Victoria, if someone can’t be contacted or refuses to sign the claim, you or the rental provider can apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for an order instructing the RTBA how to repay the bond.

Step 5: Bank details & final payment

Make sure your bank account details are up to date, because refunds must go into an Australian bank account (no cheques in many jurisdictions). For example, Queensland requires refunds to Australian bank accounts.

Once the claim is accepted, the bond amount (or remainder after deductions) is transferred to you.

Step 6: What happens if there is a dispute

Any disputed amount means the refund is on hold until resolution. For example in Queensland, if there’s disagreement, the RTA’s dispute resolution service will get involved.

In Victoria, unresolved disputes may be referred to VCAT.

In NSW, if the landlord/agent does not dispute within 14 days of a claim being lodged, the refund goes ahead. If there is a dispute, the matter may need to go to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

What can legitimately be withheld from your bond?

Knowing what deductions are allowed is crucial to avoid unfair withholding of your bond.

Common valid reasons for deductions

• Unpaid rent or rent arrears at the end of the tenancy.
• Damage beyond fair wear and tear (for example, large holes in walls, broken fixtures, missing items).
• Cleaning costs if the property is left significantly dirtier/unhygienic than at the start of tenancy (beyond normal everyday use).
• Unpaid utility bills or water charges where the tenant is legally responsible (state rules vary).
• Clearing of rubbish or belongings left behind by the tenant (if the tenancy agreement or state law mandates that).

What is not allowed

• The landlord cannot claim against the bond for “fair wear and tear” (normal ageing of carpets, minor scuffs etc) in Victoria.
• The landlord cannot hold the entire bond without justification — if you dispute the deductions you may have recourse to a tribunal.
• Deductions must be reasonable and documented (especially when claims are made). In Queensland, the managing party must provide supporting evidence to the tenant within 14 days of making a claim.

Tips to maximise the chance of getting your bond back quickly

Here are practical, actionable tips for you as a tenant to help ensure you get your full bond (or as much of it as possible) back, and get it back quickly.

1. Start and finish with a condition report: At move-in you should note all existing damage and keep a copy of the condition report. At move-out you should compare and ensure the property is in a similar state (aside from fair wear and tear).
2. Document everything: Use your phone to take timestamped photos of each room and external areas before you leave. Keep receipts for any cleaning or repairs you arrange.
3. Communicate early with your landlord/agent: Let them know your vacate date, invite them to a joint inspection if possible, and ask what might need attention.
4. Leave the property clean and tidy: Even if the contract only says “reasonably clean”, cleaning thoroughly improves your likelihood of full refund. Hire a professional end of tenancy cleaner to mean 
5. Give proper notice: Follow the tenancy agreement’s end notice requirements, failing to do so can complicate the bond refund process.
6. Check your bank details and forwarding address: Make sure your current bank account and contact details are registered with the bond authority (RTBA, RTA, etc).
7. Agree on the bond payout before submitting the claim: If possible, reach agreement with the landlord/agent on any deductions so that you’re in the “agreed” scenario, meaning faster processing.
8. Submit the claim online (where available): Online claims tend to be faster, and systems like RTBA Online (Victoria) and RTA Web Services (Queensland) allow quicker processing. For example, Victoria indicates claims “usually paid on the same business day” if electronic and agreement reached.
9. Keep copies of all paperwork: Retain your tenancy agreement, bond receipt, condition report, claim submission copy, emails, and photo evidence — these will help if there’s a dispute later.

State-by-state key details

While many of the rules are similar, it’s wise to check the details for your state. Here are some key pointers:

Victoria

• Bond claims and refunds are managed by the RTBA under the legislation.
• If all parties agree, online electronic claims may be paid the same business day.
• If not all parties consent, the RTBA will give notice (14 business days) before paying out automatically — unless a dispute is lodged.
• If a renter changes their name during the tenancy, this must be updated with the RTBA before claiming to avoid issues. 

Queensland

• The RTA’s Bond Refund Web Service allows full or partial bond refunds.
• If all parties agree: fast-track refunds possible within hours.
• If there’s disagreement: a “Notice of claim” is issued, parties have 14 days, and if still contested the matter moves to dispute resolution.
• Refunds must go to Australian bank accounts.

New South Wales

• Bonds may be lodged and managed via Rental Bonds Online,
• To claim refund: landlord/agent or tenant can initiate. If form lodged and no dispute, refund in about two business days.
• If dispute, resolve may go through NCAT.

Common problems and how to avoid them

Problem: Landlord/agent says you owe money and deducts much of the bond

Solution: Request an itemised list of deductions and receipts. Compare the condition report and photo evidence. Where you disagree, lodge a dispute with the relevant body (VCAT in Victoria, NCAT in NSW, RTA dispute process in QLD).

Problem: You vacated, submitted claim, but bond hasn’t been returned / long delay

Solution: Check that the claim was lodged correctly, bank details are correct, all parties have consented. Ask the landlord/agent if they've made a claim against the bond. If there’s no agreement, follow up whether a Notice of claim was issued and what stage the process is at.

Problem: You can’t locate the bond or missed claiming

Solution: In Queensland, for example, if you believe you may have a refund outstanding, you can update your details with the RTA or submit an enquiry form — refunds processed within two weeks in many cases.In Victoria, you may check with the RTBA if your bond has been held and unclaimed.

Problem: One of the joint tenants is uncontactable so you can’t agree on how to split the bond

Solution: In Victoria, you or the rental provider can apply to VCAT for an order instructing the RTBA how to repay/transfer the bond if someone cannot be contacted.In other states, check the relevant dispute process.