The process of releasing a bond can be simple if everyone agrees.
All parties who receive a bond release notice must respond before the bond can be released. If someone does not respond in the specified timeframe or disputes the release, the application will be referred for a Commissioner determination. This significantly increases the time it takes to release the bond.
How you can help to speed up a bond release
You can help us process your application quicker by:
- checking your details are up-to-date with Bonds Administration before starting the release
- agreeing to a fair bond release if you can
- having the landlord or property manager submit an electronic bond release application (if available)
- completing all sections of the form
- making sure any landlord claims are supported by evidence and do not exceed the bond amount. Making a claim against a bond has further information on what you can claim and how to make a claim.
- providing your payment details for bond release
- responding to notices sent from Bonds Administration and Commissioner determinations
- providing any requested information quickly.
What can delay a bond release
It will take longer to release a bond when:
- someone on the bond does not respond to the release notice, even where all parties might agree
- someone on the bond disputes the release
- contact and identity verification details are out-of-date
- application forms are incomplete
- information is missing to support a dispute
Commissioner determinations
Commissioner determinations can decide a bond release when someone on the bond:
- disputes the bond claim or
- doesn’t respond within the required timeframe.
Understanding the wait times may help you decide if you want to dispute a bond release.
Timeframes
The below timeframes cover the bond release and dispute process. These timeframes are approximate and apply to most bond releases. Some applications may take longer depending on the circumstances.
Paper applications generally take longer to process because they must be manually received, reviewed and entered into the system before assessment can begin.
You must use a paper form if you are a tenant submitting the application yourself, or speak to your landlord to your landlord or property manager for them to submit it online. You may also need to use a paper form if anyone named on the bond is unable to complete the process online.
| Stage of bond release | Online form | Paper form |
|---|---|---|
| Bonds Administration processing of bond release application. | Immediate to a few days. | Completed applications Applications needing more information |
| Bonds Administration processing responses to notice of bond release application. | Immediate to a few days. | 5 days. |
| Commissioner determination of bond dispute. | Average time from referral to decision Decision are often made more quickly if all required evidence is provided promptly when requested. | |
| Bonds Administration processing of decision on the dispute | Immediate to 7 days Delays may occur if payment details were incomplete on the bond release application. | |
Results
From 1 April to 30 September 2026:
- number of bonds release applications received: 35,671
- bonds released: 33,889
- referred for Commissioner determinations: 4,557
- Determinations issued: 1,469
- resolved by agreement with Commissioner assistance: 829
- Commissioner declined to decide: 487