Bond Calculator

Use this tool to work out how much bond your landlord can legally ask for under the Residential Tenancies Act — including the new pet bond rules that take effect from 1 December 2025.

This calculator helps you understand:

• the maximum standard bond
• whether a pet bond applies
• the total bond you may be asked to pay

Everything is based on the law, written in plain English.

Standard Bond (Up to 4 Weeks’ Rent)

Every landlord can ask for a standard bond of up to four weeks’ rent. This is the general security bond that covers:

• unpaid rent
• damage beyond fair wear and tear
• cleaning costs (if the property is not left reasonably clean)
• unpaid water charges (where applicable)

The standard bond cannot exceed four weeks, no matter what type of tenancy you have.

Pet Bond (Up to 2 Weeks’ Rent — From 1 December 2025)

Under the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024, landlords may charge a pet bond of up to two weeks’ rent if you have a pet.

Important rules 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 your pet was already approved before 1 December 2025, your landlord cannot charge you a new pet bond for that existing pet.
• The pet bond must also be lodged with Tenancy Services.

Maximum Total Bond

Depending on whether you have a pet, the maximum legal bond is:

Without a pet

• Up to 4 weeks’ rent (standard bond only)

With a pet

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

Your landlord cannot charge more than this.

How to Use the Calculator

1. Enter your weekly rent.
2. Select whether you have a pet.
3. The calculator will show:
   • your maximum standard bond
   • your maximum pet bond (if applicable)
   • your total bond payable

This helps you check whether what you’re being asked to pay is legal and fair.

Bond Lodgement Requirements

No matter how much bond you pay:

• your landlord must lodge it with Tenancy Services within 23 working days
• you must receive a Bond Lodgement Number
• you should receive a copy of the Bond Lodgement Form

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
• the property isn’t reasonably clean
• there are unpaid water charges (where applicable)
• there is pet‑related damage (pet bond only)

If you disagree with deductions, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal.

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
• All bond money must be lodged with Tenancy Services
• Many extra fees are illegal

This calculator helps you understand exactly what you should — and shouldn’t — be paying.