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Changes to the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (the Act) on 6 June 2024, outline a process for the RTA to repay disputed rental bonds where the matter has been or is dismissed by the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).
New disputed rental bond refunds process
The RTA is now required to release disputed bond payments from dismissed QCAT cases in line with the original Refund of rental bond (Form 4).
When will disputed rental bonds be refunded?
The RTA will begin processing dismissed or withdrawn bonds from 1 August 2024 and all refunds are expected to be processed within 14 business days of this date.
If you are the party who submitted the original Refund of rental bond (Form 4) you will receive a confirmation email from the RTA with receipt of payment.
While you are welcome to contact the RTA regarding general tenancy matters, please know that there is no further information available for our staff to provide. Please allow the full 14 business day processing time before requesting an update on the status of your refund and help keep our Contact Centre available to support Queenslanders with urgent tenancy and bond matters.
How much is being refunded?
The RTA will refund the bond amount in line with the original Refund of rental bond (Form 4).
Do I need to do anything?
No. If you are eligible to receive a refund, the RTA will return the rental bond using the bank account details provided on the original Refund of rental bond (Form 4). If this information has changed, please update your details with the RTA.
What if I disagree with this action?
While we appreciate this news may be disappointing to parties who will not be receiving a refund, the RTA wishes to advise that under Queensland rental laws, neither party can recommence dispute resolution proceedings. The RTA is unable to take any further action on matters that relate to finalised payments for disputed bond refunds.
While you are welcome to contact the RTA, please know that this outcome cannot be changed and there is no further information available for our staff to provide beyond general tenancy information. We ask that you please take any outcomes received as final and help keep our Contact Centre available to support Queenslanders with urgent tenancy and bond matters.
More information
For information about changes to Queensland rental laws visit our ongoing rental law changes webpage.
To find out more about QCAT dispute options visit our QCAT dispute options webpage.
For more information about bond refunds visit our bond refunds webpage.