In short
A rental bond is a security deposit, and the rules differ by state and territory. In New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia (for rent up to $1,200 a week), Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory the cap is 4 weeks’ rent. Victoria caps it at one month’s rent (rent up to $900 a week), and South Australia allows 4 or 6 weeks depending on whether rent is above $800 a week. Most states place the bond with a government authority; the Northern Territory, on the Act as it stood on 1 August 2025, has the landlord hold it in trust. This guide covers renting only; for the rest, see renting in each state.
The rules side by side
| State or territory | Cap | Who holds the bond | Lodgement deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 4 weeks’ rent | NSW Fair Trading | Not stated on the pages read; ask Fair Trading |
| Victoria | One month’s rent (higher if rent is over $900 a week, or VCAT sets it) | Residential Tenancies Bond Authority (RTBA) | 14 days, not counting public holidays |
| Queensland | 4 weeks’ rent (agreements signed on or after 30 September 2024) | Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) | 10 days |
| Western Australia | 4 weeks’ rent where rent is $1,200 a week or less | Bonds Administration | 14 days |
| South Australia | 4 weeks if rent is $800 a week or less, 6 weeks above | Commissioner, via Consumer and Business Services | 2 weeks (landlord), 4 weeks (registered agent) |
| Tasmania | 4 weeks’ rent | Rental Deposit Authority | Agent: 10 working days |
| ACT | 4 weeks’ rent | Office of Rental Bonds | Landlord: later of 2 weeks and the start of the tenancy; agent: later of 4 weeks and the start |
| Northern Territory | 4 weeks’ rent (lowest weekly rent × 4) | Held in trust by the landlord (Act as at 1 August 2025) | Not applicable |
New South Wales
The cap is 4 weeks’ rent, and a separate bond for a pet is not allowed. The bond is held by NSW Fair Trading. A landlord or agent must offer you the option of lodging it yourself through the online bond service, and can use a paper lodgement form if you cannot. The pages read do not state a lodgement deadline, so ask Fair Trading for the current time limit.
Victoria
Generally one month’s rent; more is allowed if weekly rent is over $900 or VCAT has set a higher amount. Rooming house residents have lower limits (28 days’ rent for a fixed term, 14 days otherwise). The rental provider must lodge within 14 days (not counting public holidays); the RTBA issues a receipt within 7 days. From 9 September 2026 you may elect to pay the RTBA directly. There is no additional pet bond. From 13 October 2026 a provider must give advance notice of a bond claim, with evidence.
Queensland
Up to 4 weeks’ rent for agreements signed on or after 30 September 2024, whatever the weekly rent. Whoever receives the bond must give a receipt and lodge it with the RTA within 10 days; taking more than the maximum under any name, including a pet bond, is an offence. A bond can rise with a rent increase only after 11 months, with a month’s notice. If you renewed after 30 September 2024 and the bond is above 4 weeks’ rent, you can claim the excess back.
Western Australia
Up to 4 weeks’ rent, unless rent is over $1,200 a week. The landlord is responsible for lodging within 14 days. A pet bond of up to $350 is allowed in residential tenancies ($250 for fumigation only in residential parks), and none for assistance animals.
South Australia
From 1 April 2023 the cap is 4 weeks’ rent where the weekly rent is $800 or less and 6 weeks above that. The landlord must lodge within 2 weeks; registered agents have up to 4 weeks. A receipt must be provided within 48 hours of payment, and from 1 July 2024 tenants can lodge the bond themselves. If you disagree about a refund, the Commissioner gives the other party 14 days to dispute and unresolved claims can go to the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Tasmania
A landlord must not require a deposit above 4 weeks’ rent (a fine of up to 50 penalty units applies). The deposit is paid to the Rental Deposit Authority, or to a property agent, who must pass it on within 10 working days.
Australian Capital Territory
A bond is not necessary unless the lessor requires one, only one bond is payable, and it cannot exceed 4 weeks’ rent. It must be lodged with the Office of Rental Bonds, by either party if they agree. A lessor who lodges must give a receipt; the deadline is the later of 2 weeks after receiving it and the start of the tenancy, or 4 weeks if the lessor’s agent lodges it.
Northern Territory
A landlord must not require more than one bond or a security deposit above 4 weeks’ rent, worked out on the lowest weekly rent under the agreement. The landlord holds the money in trust, in a trust account, and must give a receipt. A landlord can ask for a larger bond after a rent increase only if more than 2 years have passed since the deposit was paid or last increased, and never above 4 weeks’ rent at the new rate.
Getting the bond back
The process also varies. In Queensland, both parties can sign a refund form together, or one can lodge alone and the other has 14 days to dispute. In Victoria and South Australia, the authority or Commissioner handles undisputed and disputed claims, with a tribunal for what remains. Always check the current form and time limits with your state authority.
What it costs
A bond is a refundable security deposit, not a fee, and it is held until the end of the tenancy. In New South Wales a holding fee of up to one week’s rent can also be asked, and it counts toward rent if you sign.
Which professional to consult
A property manager or real estate agent usually lodges the bond. For a dispute, a tenant advocacy service or a community legal centre can explain the published rules, and each state authority above handles bond enquiries. This guide states the published rules and is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the rental bond the same across Australia?
No. Most states cap it at 4 weeks’ rent, Victoria at one month, and South Australia at 4 or 6 weeks depending on the rent.
Can a landlord ask for a separate pet bond?
Not in New South Wales, Victoria or Queensland. Western Australia allows a pet bond of up to $350 in a residential tenancy.
Who holds my bond?
A state authority in most states (see the table); in the Northern Territory the landlord, in trust, under the Act as at 1 August 2025.
How long does the landlord have to lodge it?
It is 10 days in Queensland and 14 days in Victoria and Western Australia. South Australia and the ACT allow 2 weeks for a landlord and up to 4 weeks for an agent, and Tasmania gives agents 10 working days.
Can I pay the bond myself?
In some states: New South Wales offers online lodgement by the tenant, Victoria from 9 September 2026, and South Australia from 1 July 2024.
More guides on renting
Sources
- Costs at the start of a residential tenancy (NSW Government) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Rental Bonds Online for tenants (NSW Government) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Lodge a residential rental bond, landlords and agents (Service NSW) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Bond amounts and payments (Consumer Affairs Victoria) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Lodging the bond with the RTBA (Consumer Affairs Victoria) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Rental bond (Residential Tenancies Authority, Queensland) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Rental bonds fact sheet (Residential Tenancies Authority, Queensland) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Rental bonds (Consumer Protection WA) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Lodging a bond (Consumer Protection WA) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Residential Tenancies, chapter 23 (South Australia Law Handbook) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Residential Tenancy Act 1997 (Tasmanian legislation) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Residential Tenancies Act 1997, republication 84 effective 26 November 2025 (ACT legislation) (consulted 14 October 2026)
- Residential Tenancies Act 1999, as in force at 1 August 2025 (NT legislation) (consulted 14 October 2026)