Residential Landlord & Tenancy
16. Reclaiming the Bond Money
Authors: Staff Legal Eagle
Firm / Chambers:
Last updated: 15 Sep 2015
- A key concern for tenants is how they can get their bond money back at the end of the tenancy.
- If the tenant and landlord are in agreement regarding the amount of bond to be repaid they can apply to the relevant bond authority in the state of residence to get the bond back.
- A bond claim form may need to be filled out and sent to the relevant bond authority.
- If there have been no problems throughout the tenancy the tenants will usually receive the full amount back.
- However if there has been damage to the property or the tenant owes the landlord rent there may need to be a negotiation in regards to the amount of bond to be repaid.
- The landlord may make a claim on all or part of the bond amount for:
- damage;
- cleaning expenses;
- any bills remaining at the end of the tenancy;
- loss of any of the landlord's goods or fixtures; and
- various other items.
- Where there is any disagreement the landlord will lodge an application with the relevant tribunal or authority in your state or territory to have the matter resolved.
- Usually this resolution will occur within 2 weeks of an application being made.
- This usually involves a mediation or conciliation where an independent third person tries to resolve the dispute between the landlord and tenant.
- If the dispute cannot be resolved then the issues may be heard by a tribunal member or panel.
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