A security bond may need to be changed when there is a change in:
- rent - rent increase may also mean the tenant is asked to top-up the bond
- property ownership
- managing agent
- tenants
When a variation has been processed, Bonds Administration will send a new bond certificate to the tenant(s) and landlord(s).
Increase in bond amounts (bond top-up)
A landlord may request that a tenant increase or top up a bond at the next rent increase.
The bond increase can only cover the difference between the bond already held and maximum bond allowed, which is up to four weeks' rent.
If the landlord receives a bond top-up payment, they need to lodge it with Bonds Administration within 14 days using the Variation of Security Bond form.
Pet bond
If the tenant’s pet request has been approved during the tenancy, the landlord may ask for a pet bond:
- up to $350 for residential tenancies (can be used for fumigation and pet-related damage at the end of the tenancy)
- up to $260 for residential parks (can be used for fumigation only at the end of the tenancy)
Existing pet bonds for residential tenancies can only be increased to the new amount:
- at the next rent increase or
- when an additional pet request is approved.
Pet bonds are not applicable to assistance dogs.
Change of owner or agent
If there is a change of landlord or agent for a rental, the bond details must be updated.
For rentals managed by agents
- Agents can use BondsOnline to update the landlord’s name or transfer the management of the bond to another agency.
For landlord-managed rentals
- Landlords can use the paper form to change the landlord or managing agent on the bond.
- Both former and new landlord/agent must sign the form and provide their contact details.
Tenants do not need to sign or approve the variation form when only the owner or agent has changed.
Bonds Administration will notify the tenant(s) and send a new bond certificate.
Changes of tenant(s) in shared tenancies
Shared tenancies are when two or more generally unrelated tenants live in a rental property.
When a tenant leaves a shared tenancy:
- The tenants must sort out the bond money between themselves. The incoming tenant can pay the leaving tenant directly.
- The landlord completes a variation form with the new and leaving tenants.
- The leaving tenant should not sign or approve the variation until they have received their share of the bond money.
- Once removed from the bond, the tenant gives up all rights to claim the bond at the end of the tenancy.
If you are a tenant and want to seek legal advice, you can find a list of service providers at Tenancy Advice and Education Services.
When a tenant has died
When a tenant has died, the person managing the deceased tenant’s estate can apply to remove them from the bond.
They need to:
- complete variation form
- provide a copy of the death certificate
- provide evidence that they are managing the deceased tenant’s estate, such as a letter of administration, probate, or the will.
If the tenancy has ended, go to releasing a bond page.
Decreasing a bond
A bond can be partially released during a tenancy when:
- there has been a reduction in the weekly rent
- a pet bond was paid and the pet no longer lives at the home.
The bond release form will need to be completed to release part of a bond. The partial payment can only be released to the tenant(s).
Submitting a bond change
BondsOnline
Real estate agents, property managers and private landlords registered to use BondsOnline can use it to:
- add tenants
- remove tenants
- change the bond amounts.
Real estate agents can also use BondsOnline to transfer a bond:
- from one agent to another
- when ownership changes and the agent continues to manage the tenancy.
Real estate agents and property managers
Bonds must be varied using BondsOnline.
There may be times where BondsOnline can't be used to manage a tenant's bond. A written explanation about why you can't use BondsOnline for that particular bond must be included in your paper-form application.
Private landlords
Landlords can use BondsOnline or the paper-based form.
BondsOnline
Go to BondsOnline
Need to register? We have step by step instructions on how to register for BondsOnline.
Find out more about when you can and can't use BondsOnline .
Bonds manual (PDF) forms
- Bonds e-form complete some details and create a PDF online to print and sign.
- Download a blank PDF to fill out offline.
Submitting a manual (PDF) bond lodgement
Details on how to submit your paper bonds form is available on Bonds form page.