A rental bond is a security deposit paid at the start of the tenancy.

If the property manager/owner takes a bond, they must give the tenant a receipt and lodge it with the RTA within 10 days. It is an offence not to do so.

A rental bond is lodged with the RTA Web Services, or by post, using a Bond lodgement (Form 2).

From 6 June 2024, the property manager/owner must include the date of the last rent increase for the premises in the tenancy agreement (Form 18a/Form 18b/Form R18).

Rent increase requirements do not apply to exempt property managers/owners or exempt providers. The Act provides definitions for an exempt property manager/owner and an exempt provider. 

The requirement to provide evidence of a rent increase does not apply if the premises is purchased within 12 months of commencement, and the property manager/owner does not have information about the date of the last rent increase.

The bond is paid back to the tenant when the property is vacated, provided no money is owed for rent, damages or other costs.

For general tenancies the law says if the rent is $700 or less per week, the maximum bond amount is 4 weeks rent. If the weekly rent is higher than $700, the amount of bond should be negotiated between the property manager/owner and tenant. The law gives no maximum amount where the weekly rent is higher than $700.

For moveable dwelling tenancies, the maximum bond is the same as 2 weeks rent, or if the electricity is connected to the premises in the owner’s name, 3 weeks rent.

The maximum amounts stated in the Act apply to all bonds, no matter what they are called (e.g. pet bond) or how many bonds are taken.

There are different rules where accommodation is provided by an employer. Check with the RTA for more information.