ACT BOND GUIDE

Getting your bond back in Australian Capital Territory

General information, last reviewed 17 October 2026. Rules change, so check the official sources below.

In the ACT, bonds are held by ACT Rental Bonds (ACT Revenue Office). Disputed refunds are referred to the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT).

Who holds the bond

ACT Rental Bonds (ACT Revenue Office) holds the bond.

Key rules at a glance

• Maximum bond: 4 weeks' rent, and you can't be asked to top it up.
• A private landlord must lodge the bond within 2 weeks of receiving it or of the tenancy starting (whichever is later); an agent has 4 weeks.
• You must be given two copies of the condition report (or an editable electronic copy) no later than the day after you move in. Return a signed copy with your comments within 2 weeks, or you're taken to agree with it.

How a claim and dispute usually work

1. 1If a bond refund is requested that you haven't agreed to, you'll be notified and have 14 days to approve or dispute it (in writing, or in the Rental Bonds portal).
2. 2If no response is received within 14 days, the bond is refunded as originally requested.
3. 3A dispute is referred to ACAT and any undisputed part of the bond is refunded. ACAT sends a conference notice, and the lessor must give you and ACAT a list of claims at least 7 days before the conference.
4. 4If it isn't resolved at the conference, ACAT schedules a hearing and gives directions (for example, a claim response form and supporting documents). Appeals can be made within 28 days of the decision.

Evidence that helps

• Your signed entry condition report, plus your own dated move-in photos of every room.
• Matching move-out photos taken from the same angles, before you hand back the keys.
• Copies of the claim notice, the exit condition report, and any quotes, invoices or receipts the landlord or agent relies on.
• Emails or messages about repairs, cleaning or agreed changes during the tenancy.
• A clear, item-by-item response: what's claimed, the amount, and why you agree or disagree.

Official sources

• ACT Revenue Office: Rental bonds tenant service
• ACT Revenue Office: Bond refunds (tenants)
• ACAT: Rental bond and security deposit disputes
• ACT Revenue Office: How to lodge a bond
• ACT Government: The Renting Book (January 2026, PDF)

Free help: Canberra Community Law (tenancy)

General information, not legal advice. This guide summarises official Australian Capital Territory sources as at 17 October 2026. It doesn't cover every situation. Time limits run from the dates on your actual notices, so check the official source or get free advice from Canberra Community Law (tenancy).