This fact sheet explains the how to get your rental bond back. It is available in the following languages:
The way to get a rental bond back and solve a dispute has changed. This is part of the Residential Tenancies Amendment Act 2024.
The changes are:
- Anyone listed on the bond can apply for its release.
- Landlords must now explain their claims under specific categories.
- There are clear timeframes for everyone to respond.
- If there is a dispute, the Commissioner for Consumer Protection can make a decision in most cases, reducing the need to go to court.
Step 1: Tenancy ends
Before applying for your bond, ensure the following tasks are completed:
- Pay your rent up to the end of the tenancy.
- Move out and clean the property thoroughly.
- You can be at the final inspection.
- Get a copy of the outgoing Property Condition Report.
The easiest way to get a bond released is if everyone agrees. Negotiate a fair deduction with your landlord. Landlords cannot claim for fair wear and tear.
Landlords can make a claim for part or all the bond, but it must be from one of these specific categories:
- repairing damage caused by the tenant(s) or their pet(s);
- garden repair and maintenance;
- carpet cleaning that is undertaken to remove stains and other marks;
- general cleaning of the property, not including carpet cleaning;
- pet fumigation;
- replacing keys not returned and/or replacing any added security devices;
- unpaid rent the tenant owes;
- outstanding utility bills; and/or
- any other financial loss caused by a breach of the tenancy agreement.
Step 2: Submit the form
The application can now be started by anyone listed on the bond. Select the right method:
- Tenants: Use the paper form .
- Landlords: Use BondsOnline or the paper form .
- Agents: Use BondsOnline.
Submit the application on the Consumer Protection website.
Step 3: Respond to the notice
Once the application is received, Bonds Administration will notify the others listed on the bond. If you didn’t submit the application, you should review the claim details and respond within the timeframe.
The bond is paid out if everyone agrees.
When there is no response within the timeframe or a disagreement on the claims the application goes to the Commissioner for a determination.
Step 4: Commissioner Determination
Tenants and landlords are asked to submit information and evidence when there is a dispute:
- You have 10 days to respond.
- We make a decision or may ask for more information.
- We review all evidence.
- Everyone is notified and provided with a written result.
You can appeal the decision if you disagree with it.
- You must lodge an appeal with the Magistrates Court within 7 days.
- Notify Bonds Administration immediately.
If Bonds Administration is not notified of an appeal, the bond may be paid out after 7 days, in line with the decision. Once the bond has been paid out, it cannot be recovered.
If the Determinations Branch can’t make a decision about the bond for some reason, you and the landlord will be notified and can apply to the Magistrates Court for a decision.
Need help?
- Phone: 1300 30 40 54
- Email: consumer@lgirs.wa.gov.au