My tenancy ended - how do I get my bond back? 🌐

At the end of your tenancy, if there have been no issues or disputes and you leave the property in the same condition you found it in, your bond money will be returned to you when you move out.

To maximise the chances of getting your bond back, follow these steps after you give the keys back:

Step 1

Confirm in writing that you have returned the keys and ask for an opportunity to attend the final inspection

Step 2

Proactively attend the final inspection or, if you couldn’t make it, ask the landlord to confirm the results of the final inspection .

There is a possibility that the landlord will be in touch with you if they have some concerns about the state of the property. If so, you have a chance to discuss whether you can go back to the property and fix the issues raised, so that the landlord won’t make a claim on your bond.

Step 3

Wait for 14 days after you returned the keys to see if the landlord tries to claim the bond.

If the landlord wants to claim your bond, they must apply to VCAT within 14 days after the rental agreement ends. If your landlord has applied to VCAT for the bond, you should ask us for some help.

Step 4

If it’s been more than 14 days after you returned the keys, and you haven’t heard anything:

• You can apply directly to the RTBA for your bond to be returned without your landlord’s consent. There is no time limit for you to make this claim, but it does take up to 21 days to process.
• Once you’ve applied to RTBA, the landlord will be asked to show RTBA within 14 days that they’ve already applied to VCAT for your bond. If they fail to do so, the bond will be processed as per your application.

Anika Legal can provide legal assistance if you:

• Need repairs at your home and haven’t yet applied to VCAT
• Have received a Notice to Vacate due to rental arrears
• Need help with a bond dispute after your landlord has applied to VCAT

Fill out our 10-minute questionnaire to see whether you’re eligible.

We last updated this page in November 2022. Please remember that this is only legal information. If you're thinking about taking action, you should chat to a lawyer for advice about your situation first.