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🇦🇺 Australia onlyWhen do I get my bond back?
Your rental bond is not held by your landlord or your agent. In every Australian state and territory, it sits with a government bond authority, and that authority — not the landlord — is who actually releases it back to you.
Most bond disputes come down to three questions: has a claim actually been lodged, do you agree with what’s being claimed, and how long do you have to formally object. This tool asks those three questions and tells you which authority holds your bond, what the dispute window looks like, and which tribunal hears it if it goes that far.
The exact number of days in a dispute window varies by state and can change over time. These figures have been checked against each authority’s current published guidance, but it’s always worth confirming nothing’s changed if your situation is time-critical.
If no claim has been lodged yet, choose 'Not applicable'.
Frequently asked questions
Does my landlord hold my bond?
No. In every state and territory, your bond is lodged with a government bond authority (for example Rental Bonds Online in NSW or the RTBA in Victoria), not held by the landlord or agent. That authority pays it out, not the landlord.
What if the agent just isn’t responding?
You don’t need their cooperation to start the process. In most states you can lodge your own claim for the amount you believe you’re owed, and the authority will notify the other party and give them a window to respond.
Can I dispute a deduction after I’ve already agreed to it?
It gets harder once you’ve signed off, but if new evidence comes to light (for example, a report showing the damage pre-dated your tenancy) you can still raise it with the authority or the tribunal.
What counts as evidence in a bond dispute?
Your entry condition report, exit photos and video, receipts for any cleaning or repairs you paid for, and any written communication with the landlord or agent about the property’s condition.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute a bond claim?
No. Bond disputes are designed to be handled directly with the state bond authority, and if they escalate, the state tribunal (like NCAT, VCAT or QCAT) is built for people to represent themselves.
Is the dispute window the same in every state?
No, and it changes from time to time. This tool shows a working estimate for your state, but always confirm the current figure with the bond authority before treating it as a hard deadline.
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screwtheman.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This tool gives general information on consumer rights and dispute pathways based on public guidance. For complex legal matters, consult a qualified lawyer or the relevant regulator.