Rental bond rules in Australia, state by state
A rental bond (security deposit) is money a tenant pays at the start of a tenancy that a landlord can claim against at the end for unpaid rent or damage beyond fair wear and tear. Every Australian state and territory caps the bond and sets its own lodgement authority, deadlines, and dispute body. The rules below show what applies where you let your property.
Compare every state and territory
| State | Maximum bond | Bond authority | Lodgement deadline | Dispute body |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QLD | 4 weeks' rent | RTA | Within 10 days | RTA conciliation, then QCAT |
| NSW | 4 weeks' rent | NSW Fair Trading (Rental Bonds Online) | Within 10 working days | NCAT |
| VIC | 1 month's rent (uncapped if rent over $900/wk) | RTBA | Within 14 days | RDRV / VCAT |
| SA | 4 weeks' rent (6 weeks if rent over $800/wk) | Consumer and Business Services (CBS) | Landlords 2 weeks / agents 4 weeks | SACAT |
| WA | 4 weeks' rent (no cap if rent over $1,200/wk) | Bond Administration (DMIRS) | No later than 14 days | Consumer Protection Commissioner |
| TAS | 4 weeks' rent | Rental Deposit Authority (MyBond) | Agents within 10 working days | Residential Tenancy Commissioner |
| NT | 4 weeks' rent | None — landlord holds in trust | N/A (held in trust) | NTCAT |
| ACT | 4 weeks' rent | ACT Revenue Office (Rental Bonds) | Lessors 2 weeks / agents 4 weeks | ACAT |
Select a state for the full rules, key facts with sources, and FAQs.
Common questions
Can a landlord charge more than four weeks' rent as a bond?▾
In most states the maximum bond is four weeks' rent. South Australia and Western Australia allow up to six weeks where the weekly rent is above a set threshold, and Victoria allows more than one month's rent only where weekly rent exceeds $900. Charging above the cap is unlawful.
Who holds the rental bond in Australia?▾
In every state and territory except the Northern Territory, the bond is lodged with a government authority (for example the RTA in Queensland or the RTBA in Victoria). In the NT the landlord holds the bond in trust themselves and gives the tenant a receipt.
What happens if there is a dispute over the bond?▾
Each jurisdiction has a tribunal that decides bond disputes — QCAT, NCAT, VCAT, SACAT, NTCAT, ACAT, or the relevant commissioner or magistrates court. Most authorities offer free conciliation first, and the bond is only released once both parties agree or the tribunal orders it.
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Get startedLast 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.