Bond and Rent: What You Need to Know

Understanding how bond and rent work is essential before you sign a tenancy agreement. Here’s a clear, plain‑English guide to what landlords can and can’t charge, how much you should expect to pay, and what’s changing under the updated tenancy laws.

Bond (Security Deposit)

A bond is money you pay at the start of your tenancy as security in case you owe rent or cause damage. It is your money, and it must be handled correctly.

How much bond can a landlord charge?

General Bond:

• A landlord can charge up to four weeks’ rent as the standard bond.

Pet Bond (from 1 December 2025): Under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, landlords may also charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent if you have a pet.

Important points about the pet bond:

• It is in addition to the standard bond.
• It can only be used for pet‑related damage.
• It cannot be charged for certified disability assist dogs.
• If you already had an approved pet before 1 December 2025, your landlord cannot charge you a new pet bond for that existing pet.

Maximum total bond

If you have a pet (and the landlord chooses to charge a pet bond), the total bond can be:

• Up to 6 weeks’ rent
  • 4 weeks standard bond
  • 2 weeks pet bond

If you have no pets, the maximum remains 4 weeks.

How the bond must be handled

• Your landlord must lodge the bond with Tenancy Services within 23 working days.
• You must receive a Bond Lodgement Number.
• You should also receive a copy of the Bond Lodgement Form showing the amount lodged.

If your landlord fails to lodge the bond, that is unlawful, and you can take action.

Getting your bond back

When you move out, your bond should be returned in full unless:

• you owe rent
• you’ve caused damage beyond fair wear and tear
• you haven’t cleaned the property to a reasonable standard
• there are unpaid water charges (in some cases)

Both you and the landlord must sign a Bond Refund Form. If you disagree with deductions, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal.

Rent: What You Can Be Charged

Rent in advance

A landlord can ask for:

• up to two weeks’ rent in advance
• no more than that

They cannot ask you to “top up” rent in advance unless you fall behind.

Rent increases

• Rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
• You must receive 60 days’ written notice.
• The notice must state the new amount and the date it takes effect.

If you believe the increase is too high, you can challenge it through Tenancy Services.

Illegal charges you should never pay

A landlord cannot charge you for:

• application fees
• credit checks
• key money
• compulsory cleaning fees
• compulsory “move‑in fees”
• inspection fees
• admin fees
• anything not allowed under the Residential Tenancies Act

If a landlord tries to charge these, it is unlawful.

If you think you’ve been overcharged

You can:

• ask the landlord to correct it
• request mediation through Tenancy Services
• apply to the Tenancy Tribunal for a refund

Keep all receipts, messages, and agreements — they’re evidence.

Key Takeaways

• Standard bond: up to 4 weeks’ rent
• Pet bond (from 1 Dec 2025): up to 2 weeks’ rent
• Total possible bond: up to 6 weeks’ rent (if you have a pet)
• Rent in advance: maximum 2 weeks
• Rent increases: once every 12 months, with 60 days’ notice
• Many extra fees are illegal

This information helps you understand what’s fair, what’s legal, and what to do if something doesn’t look right.