What How to Claim a Rental Bond in NSW?

Prepare for the Bond Claim

Before you start the claim process, ensure that you meet the following conditions:

• End of Lease: Make sure your lease has officially ended, or you have given the correct notice to the landlord if you’re vacating before the lease ends.
• Property Condition: Ensure the property is clean, undamaged, and in the condition it was in when you moved in (barring fair wear and tear).
• Rent Payments: Ensure that all rent payments are up-to-date and there are no outstanding dues.
• Final Inspection: Some landlords or property managers conduct a final inspection of the property. Make sure you attend the inspection and address any concerns they may have before vacating.

Get the Bond Reference Number

Once you’ve paid your rental bond at the start of the lease, you should have received a Bond Reference Number from NSW Fair Trading. This reference number is essential for processing your bond claim.

If you don't have the bond reference number, you can contact your landlord or property manager for it, or you can use the Rental Bonds Online portal to look it up if you're unsure.

Submit a Bond Refund Request Online

The fastest and most convenient way to claim your rental bond is through the Rental Bonds Online (RBO) system, which is run by NSW Fair Trading.

How to Claim Your Bond Online:

1. Location

Visit the Rental Bonds Online Portal: Go to the official NSW Fair Trading website and click on the Rental Bonds Online section.

Log In: You’ll need to log in using your account credentials. If you don't have an account, you'll need to create one by providing basic information and linking it to the bond reference number.

Fill Out the Refund Request: Once logged in, select Bond Refund and complete the required information, including:

• Tenant’s Details: Your name and contact information.

• Bond Reference Number: If you don’t have the bond reference number, you can contact your landlord or property manager for it, or you can use the Rental Bonds Online portal on the official NSW Fair Trading website to look it up.

• Property Address: The address of the rental property.

• Bank Details: Provide your bank account details for the refund to be transferred directly to your account.

Agree to Terms: You and the landlord (or property manager) need to agree on the bond refund. If both parties are in agreement, the refund can proceed automatically.

Submit the Request: Once all the information is correct, submit the bond refund request. You will receive confirmation from NSW Fair Trading once the process is completed.

What Happens Next?

• If Both Parties Agree: If both you and the landlord agree on the bond refund amount, the bond will be refunded directly to the tenant’s nominated bank account. This typically happens within 1-2 weeks.
• If There’s a Disagreement: If there is a dispute between you and the landlord regarding the bond (for example, if the landlord claims damages or unpaid rent), the refund process will be put on hold until the issue is resolved. NSW Fair Trading offers assistance in resolving disputes, which may involve mediation or referral to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

In Case of Disputes: What to Do?

If the landlord or property manager claims a portion of your bond for repairs or unpaid rent, and you disagree, the dispute needs to be handled via the appropriate channels:

• Mediation: Fair Trading offers a dispute resolution service, where both parties can try to reach an agreement with the help of a mediator. This process can help avoid lengthy legal proceedings.

• Tribunal: If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, the dispute may be escalated to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), where a legally binding decision can be made.

If you’re confident that the property was returned in good condition, you have the right to dispute any unfair bond claims.

Receiving the Bond Refund

Once the bond has been processed, NSW Fair Trading will transfer the bond (or agreed portion) directly to your nominated bank account. The refund should appear within 1-2 weeks of the claim submission, depending on how quickly the process is finalized.

If there’s a delay or any issues, you can check the status of your bond claim through the Rental Bonds Online portal.

Important Tips to Ensure a Smooth Bond Claim Process

Here are some tips to help make your bond refund process smoother:

• Keep Good Records: Document the condition of the property when you first move in and when you move out. Take photos or videos of the property’s condition to avoid disputes later on.

• Check Your Lease Agreement: Make sure you’ve fulfilled all the obligations listed in your lease agreement, including cleaning and maintenance requirements.

• Leave the Property Clean: Ensure the property is left clean and in the same condition as when you moved in (except for reasonable wear and tear).

• Communicate with Your Landlord: If possible, communicate with your landlord or property manager before moving out to address any concerns they might have about the property’s condition.

• Attend the Final Inspection: Attend the final inspection with your landlord or property manager so you can resolve any issues on the spot.

Explore our NSW Rental Bond Guide for Tenants and Landlords on RentAAA’s blog. Whether you’re moving in or out, get all the essential tips for a smooth and hassle-free bond process

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Final Thoughts

Claiming your NSW rental bond refund doesn’t have to be stressful. Thanks to Rental Bonds Online by NSW Fair Trading, tenants can easily manage and track their claims. If a dispute arises, you can rely on NSW Fair Trading’s mediation or escalate it through NCAT for resolution.

For more insights, visit the official NSW Fair Trading Rental Bonds page or explore RentAAA’s NSW Rental Bond Guide for Tenants and Landlords.

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