Bond lodgement in New South Wales
Key rules at a glance
| Portal | Rental Bonds Online (RBO) at service.nsw.gov.au — separate agent and self-managing landlord accountsSource: nsw.gov.au/rental-bonds-online |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 10 working days of receiving the bond moneySource: Residential Tenancies Act 2010 (NSW) s.159 |
| Tenant contribution | The tenant is invited by SMS/email to pay their share via BPAY directly into RBO — the landlord never handles the moneySource: NSW Fair Trading |
| Receipt | RBO emails both parties a bond number once payment clears (usually 2–3 business days)Source: NSW Fair Trading |
How it works in New South Wales
The NSW workflow is: (1) sign the residential tenancy agreement; (2) log in to Rental Bonds Online and start a new bond, entering the tenant's mobile and email, weekly rent, and bond amount (max four weeks' rent); (3) RBO messages the tenant a payment link — the tenant pays by BPAY into the NSW Fair Trading trust account, not to you; (4) once the money clears, RBO emails both parties a bond number. If you receive the bond as cash or bank transfer instead (rare), you have 10 working days to lodge it via RBO or by paper form 4 at a Service NSW centre — holding the money past that deadline is an offence.
NSW Fair Trading — Rental Bonds OnlineFrequently asked questions
Do I have to use Rental Bonds Online in NSW?▾
Agents must use RBO. Private landlords can either register a self-managing landlord account (recommended, and free) or lodge a paper form at a Service NSW service centre. RBO is faster and gives an instant receipt.
Who pays the bond in the NSW RBO workflow?▾
The tenant pays their share directly through RBO by BPAY — you never touch the money. This removes any risk of holding an unlodged bond past the 10-working-day deadline.
What if I already accepted the bond in cash?▾
You must lodge it with NSW Fair Trading within 10 working days of receiving it. Use RBO's cash bond lodgement flow, or take a completed paper Bond Lodgement Form 4 to a Service NSW centre with the cash.
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Last reviewed 9 June 2026
Figures reflect the 2025–26 financial year and tenancy laws in force as at mid-2026. State rules change often — always confirm the current figure with the linked authority before you rely on it.
This is general information for Australian landlords, not legal, financial, or tax advice. PropAlly is a software provider, not a law firm, accountant, or licensed adviser. Verify your obligations with the relevant state authority or a qualified professional.